LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



S^fap,"..... lajujrigljt 3fc. 

Shelf Jfefol 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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':~ " 





ANNUAL 

Granatin'? Exercise 



PKIECE SCHOOL 



BUSINESS and SHORTHAND 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 

I 
l 

PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



1882 to 1892, 



INCLUSIVE. 



FMatolishieci by 

Thomas May Peirce, 
1893. 








Copyright, 

THOMAS MAY PEIRCE. 

1893. 



TO THE 

YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN 

OF 

the United States of America 

this volume 

is most affectionately dedicated 

BY 
THEIR FRIEND AND SERVANT 




I°pQfa.eo. 



At the close of the twenty-eighth year of Peiree School, 
grateful to God for His continued blessing, and appreciating 
the co-operation of an able Faculty and the endorsement of 
eminent gentlemen, many of whose names will be found 
herein — several of whom " being dead, yet speak " — it has 
been decided to publish in one volume the graduating exer- 
cises of the past eleven years. 
I 

On every occasion of a public graduation by Peiree 

School of Business and Shorthand, the American Academy 
of Music has been crowded to its entire capacity with such 
audiences as intelligent Philadelphia alone can assemble ; and 
it is a source of congratulation that, upon each recurring 
event, the enthusiasm of the guests has only been equaled by 
the delight of the graduates, students and friends of the 
institution. 

With unrelaxing efforts to reach a higher standard than 
heretofore attained, we issue this volume of oratory and 
wisdom, with confidence that all who peruse it will be 
refreshed, edified and stimulated thereby. 



Annual G 



NNUAL URADUATING CXERCISES 



Peine School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 



PHILADELPHIA, PA 



» M *»•» 



Thursday Evening, June 15, 1882, 



AT EIGHT O'CLOCK. 



ON COMPLETION OF THE SEVENTEENTH SCHOOL YEAR. 



-^ PROGRAMMED 

Thursday KVening, /June 15, 1882 

MUSIC BY THE 

Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT EIGHT O'CLOCK, 

^?VM. STOLLJr., Conductor. 



OVERTURE— « Fra Diavolo," Auber 

SELECTION—" Chimes of Normandy;' PLANQUETTE 

MARCH — Faculty, Graduates, and Guests enter. 

Prayer by Rev. EDGAR M. LEVY, D. D. 
WALTZ — " La Barcarolle" Waldteufel 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 

FREDERICK FRALEY, LL. D. 

President of National Board of Trade. 

SELECTION— "Patience," Sullivan 

Annual Address, Hon. GEORGE B. LORING, M. D 

U. S. Commissioner of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 

XYLOPHONE SOLO, Stobbe 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 
GAVOTTE— "Forget Me Not," Giese 

Address to the Graduates, Rev. J. M. BUCKLEY D. D. 

Editor " Christian Advocate," N. Y. City. 

SELECTION—" Faust," Gounod 

BENEDICTION. 

GALOP — "Bon Voyage]' . . Fehling 



List of ©paduatos, ©lass of '82. 



Benswanger, Samuel Lewis Pennsylvania. 

Burger, Gottlob Albert Pennsylvania. 

Caven, Albert Lewis Pennsylvania. 

De Ford, Moses Pennsylvania. 

Doohan, William Francis Pennsylvania. 

Edwards, Marcus Leavenworth New Jersey. 

Ennis, James Henry Delaware. 

Farr, Edward Lincoln New Jersey. 

Garrett, Robert Tyson Pennsylvania. 

Henderson, Theodore Hider . New Jersey. 

Hoell, Charles Frederick New Jersey. 

Isett, William Henry Pennsylvania. 

Keith, William Apelbei . Pennsylvania. 

Kindig, John Harry Pennsylvania. 

La Bar, William Katz Snyder Pennsylvania. 

McEntee, Edward Francis Pennsylvania. 

Morris, John Joseph • .Pennsylvania. 

Rylands, Elmer Ellsworth .Pennsylvania. 

Shoemaker, Charles Gottlieb Pennsylvania. 

Stiles, Thomas Truxton Pennsylvania. 

Van Buskirk, George Howard , . Pennsylvania. 

Weissgerber, Charles Pennsylvania. 

Weltzhoffer, Jacob Pennsylvania. 

Wille, George Augustus New Jersey. 

Wilson, Henry Pennsylvania. 

Woll, Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Total, twenty-six. 



]i>iograplqi©al S^oteti 
Edgap /4optirr|OP© LoVy, 



Baptist clergyman, master of arts, doctor of divinity, first president 
of the first Young Men's Temperance Society of Philadelphia, strong 
" Union man," compatriot with Dudley Tyng. 

He was born in St. Mary's, Georgia, November 23, 1822. He is a 
son of the late Lewis Levy, planter and merchant of Georgia, and grand- 
'son of Colonel John Patterson, ship-builder of Philadelphia, who sup- 
plied many of the boats in which Washington's army made the celebrated 
crossing of the Delaware, and who was wounded in the battle of Ger- 
mantown. After selling his ship-yard to the Government for a navy- 
yard, he removed to the South, and died in 1800. The mother of Doc- 
tor Levy chafed at a residence in what was then a slave State, and by 
great tact and persuasion induced the doctor's father to remove to Phila- 
delphia, where the children were educated. 

The bitter sectional strife that culminated in the " War for Seces- 
sion " is now, happily, only a matter of history. Yet many a m/^ral hero 
of those days still lives, and Doctor Edgar M. Levy is one of these. He 
took an early and earnest part in the conflict, sustaining the Government 
and advocating the removal of slavery. 

Doctor Levy is also a brother of the late Captain John P. Levy, of 
the well-known firm of Neafie & Levy, and who from his own private 
means built the elegant Berean Baptist Church and its parsonage in 
West Philadelphia. 

Soon after reaching his majority he became pastor of the First 
Baptist Church, West Philadelphia, then just dedicated, where his minis- 
try was marked by extensive revivals of religion, resulting in the build- 
ing of two large churches. He spent fourteen years in this charge, and 
then succeeded the eminent Doctors Hague and Stears in the South 
Church, Newark, N. J., where he was beloved and popular for ten years, 
returning to the Berean Baptist Church, West Philadelphia, to which 
large accessions were made under his preaching, and which he left on 
retiring after forty years' uninterrupted pastoral labors. 

He early received the degree of A. M. from the University of Lew- 
isburg, and later that of D. D. from the same institution. 

He now enjoys an independent leisure, but still preaches for other 
denominations as well as his own, exhibiting a large spirit of catholicity. 

N. H. 



Prayop 
T^QV\ Edgar fiX. Lotfy, ID. ID, 



Thou that hearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh 
come. We have heard Thy voice, saying, " Seek ye My 
face," and our hearts have replied, " Thy face, O Lord, will we 
seek ; hide not Thy face from us, but cause it to shine upon 
us ! " 

We come unto Thee in His all-prevailing Name, who 
suffered, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God. For His 
sake hear the voice of our supplication, and be merciful unto 
us. May we not be rash with our mouth, or hasty in our 
spirit to utter anything before Thee. 

O let our heart be right with Thee ; deliver us from all 
self-seeking and self-pleasing. Mercifully grant that in all we 
do, we may have an eye single to Thy glory, and that we may 
study to show ourselves approved unto Thee. Cleanse Thou us 
from all secret faults, and let not any iniquity have dominion 
over us. Teach us, we beseech Thee, by Thy heavenly inspi- 
ration, to have a right judgment in all things. Help us, that 
we may fulfil the royal law of love, and all things what- 
soever we would that men should do unto us, may we do 
even so unto them, remembering that this is the law and the 
prophets. 

Bless this institution of learning. Guide, strengthen and 
illuminate both teachers and scholars. May those who 
instruct be imbued with the spirit of true wisdom. May they, 
both in word and example, be an inspiration to all who 
shall be brought under their influence. May those who are 



12 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

instructed here, consecrate to Thee all their powers of body, 
soul and spirit. Let the thought of Thy nearness to them 
hallow their recreation and their work. Let them be " dili- 
gent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." If it 
please Thee, give them length of days to spend them to Thine 
honor and glory. In the counting-house, in the factory, in the 
service of the government, or in the home, may they be true 
servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Help them not to put 
trust in uncertain riches, but only and always in the living 
God. Help them to be content with such things as they 
have, knowing that a contented mind is a continual feast. 
May they lay up treasures in heaven, that their hearts may be 
there also. May they ever confess Thee before men, have 
courage to do right, " prove all things, and hold fast that which 
is good." As good soldiers of Christ, may they endure hard- 
ness, and be found faithful unto death, that they may receive 
the crown of glory which fadeth not away. 

All this we ask in the name and for the sake of Jesus 
Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



liMograph^iecil Sl^otol^ 

OF 



Merchant, statesman, philosopher, financier, doctor of laws, phil- 
anthropist, president of Girard College, first and only president of the 
National Board of Trade, president of Philosophical Society, president 
Western Savings Fund Society of Philadelphia, president Philadelphia 
Board of Trade. 

Born in Philadelphia May 28, 1804, he is nearing the eighty-ninth 
anniversary of his birth. 

After studying law as a part of his education, he engaged in busi- 
ness. In his career as a merchant he prospered, while as a public- 
spirited citizen he is venerated by all who know his record. In 1834 he 
was an original member and associate of the founders of the Franklin 
Institute before it was incorporated, and was for many years its treasurer. 
He served with distinction in the City Council and in the State Senate. 
He was manager of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the 
Blind up to 1850. At the head of the direction of Girard College for 
three years, he served as president for six months, to fill a vacancy. 
One of the founders of the Union Club and its successor, the Union 
League of Philadelphia, he displayed great power as an organizer. 
Delegate to the commercial convention held in Boston in 1868 for the 
establishment of a National Board of Trade, he was chosen first presi- 
dent of that board — an office which he has held by unanimous re-elections 
ever since. 

He was treasurer of the Centennial Board of Finance. He has been 
trustee of the University of Pennsylvania since 1853, and enjoys the 
degree of LL. D., conferred upon him by that excellent institution. 

Since 1879 ne h as been president of the American Philosophical 
Society. Member of the Historical Society. 

May he long survive to enjoy the honorable record he has made 
and to benefit the world by his great experience ! 

Wise his counsel, diligent his hand, 

His fame not time may hide ; 
One of the great, "the old man grand" 

Is Philadelphia's pride. N. H. 



Irjtrodu©topi_) r^orqapl^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Hoi|. PpQdopi©]^ Fpaloy, IjLj. ID, 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — I appreciate very highly the 
compliment that has been paid to me in selecting me to pre- 
side over the ceremonies of this commencement. I regret 
that the Principal of the Institution represented here to-night 
has, in the glowing words of eulogy which he has submitted, 
gone very far beyond any merits that I can claim. True it is, 
I have been connected with the great interests of the city of 
Philadelphia for more than half a century, and during that 
long period it has been not only a duty but a pleasure to con- 
tribute in any way to the advancement of education and to 
the prosperity and welfare of the city of my nativity. This 
morning the oldest College and University in the State of 
Pennsylvania held its commencement within these walls and 
conferred degrees upon students in the arts, in the sciences, 
and in the law, and the goodly company then assembled and 
the exercises in which we participated testify to the interest 
which the people of the Philadelphia have in the great cause 
of education. This University started as the Academy and 
Charity School of the City of Philadelphia. It has grown up 
to be a great University, and its history and career are but 
types of what the other educational institutions of the city and 
country are developing for the benefit of mankind. And 
among the institutions thus established I know of no class 
that is calculated to do, in the present, a greater good than 
the Commercial Colleges. Their mission seems to have arisen 
by the great change which has taken place, not only in the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 5 

mechanical and manufacturing pursuits but also in the count- 
ing-house. The " modern conveniences" have reached the 
counting-house as well as almost all the other departments of 
human life, and an apprenticeship to a merchant is very differ- 
ent now from what it was when I was an apprentice in the 
counting-house. It was my duty, as the junior apprentice, to 
go to my master's residence and get the keys of the ware- 
house, to open it, to sweep it out, and in the winter time to 
make the fires, and then, after I had accomplished all this, my 
master appeared upon the field of action, and I had the lib- 
erty to go home and get my morning meal, and then return to 
go to work. In those days the apprentices, as they rose step 
by step in seniority, were intrusted with advanced branches of 
business. They became, therefore, under such slow training, 
expert accountants, and being set to copy all business letters 
written by their masters, obtained also a facility of expression 
and a knowledge of commercial affairs. At present, however, 
few can obtain such a training in a business house, because 
the departments are so numerous and complicated that it is 
impossible for a young man to pass through all the branches. 
Hence, to supply the deficiences which the march of modern 
changes has impressed upon the duties of the counting-house,, 
the Commercial Colleges come in to give that education which 
cannot now be obtained in the old-fashioned way. 

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I feel a peculiar pleasure 
to-night in presiding over such an assemblage as this that has 
come to testify its appreciation of one of the active Commer- 
cial Colleges of the country ; one that has been crowned with 
a great measure of success, and one whose Principal, in one of 
the great national conventions of business educators, was 
called upon to illustrate the system of training pursued in his 
institution. I have read the proceedings of that meeting with 
very great pleasure, and I derive from it the conviction that 
the gentleman who presides over the Commercial College 
whose commencement we celebrate to-night possesses all the 
qualifications of a good teacher, and that under his guidance 



ID ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the seven hundred students who I understand are now under 
his instructions may be made good, perfect business men and 
women. I congratulate him and I congratulate you, and I 
wish for him and the students under his charge all the pros- 
perity, all the success in life, and all the blessings which the 
eloquent clergyman who has made a prayer to-night has 
invoked for them from Almighty God. 



I3iocjFaph|i©a.l Sl^otohi 
Goopgo ISa.ilQi.3 Lopir^cj, 



Surgeon, author, representative New England statesman and orator, 
founder and president of the New England Agricultural Society, United 
States Commissioner of Agriculture, United States Minister to Portugal, 
member of Congress, etc. 

Born in North Andover, Massachusetts, November 8, 18 17, died 
September 13, 1891, at Salem, Massachusetts. He entered 1834 and 
was graduated at Harvard in 1838. After studying medicine under 
Doctors Kittredge and Oliver Wendell Holmes, he graduated at Harvard 
Medical Department in 1842. He was surgeon to the United States 
Marine Hospital at Chelsea, Massachusetts, from 1843 till 1850. In 1849 
he was appointed United States Commissioner to revise the Maritime 
Hospital System. From 1853 till 1857 he was postmaster at Salem, 
Massachusetts, and subsequently devoted many years to practical and 
scientific agriculture, and the improvement of his splendid farm at 
Salem. He was the founder of the New England Agricultural Society, 
and its president from 1864 until his death. He was United States 
Centennial Commissioner 1872-76, president of Massachusetts State 
Senate 1873-77, elected to Congress in 1876, and served till 1881, w^ien 
President Garfield appointed him Commissioner of Agriculture — an office 
which he held till 1885. 

President Harrison appointed him Minister to Portugal, where he 
remained a year, and on his return wrote "A Year in Portugal," which 
was in press at the time of his sudden decease. Among his numerous 
addresses are : " Relation of Agriculture to the State in Time of War" 
(Concord, 1862); "Classical Culture" (Amherst, 1866); "Eulogy on 
Louis Agassiz " (Worcester, 1880); address at the Cotton Convention in 
Atlanta, Georgia (1881); and "The Farm-yard Club of Jotham," a 
sketch of New England life and farming (Boston, 1876). Probably no 
man stands more prominently in the estimation of agriculturists of 
America than the lamented Doctor Loring 

N. H. 



/^ddpQSS 
Hor|, Goopgo IB. Ljorir^g, fA. ID, 



Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen : — Among 
the many changes which have taken place in the social and 
civil organization of the world in modern days, not one has 
been more significant or effective than that which has modified 
essentially the work of education. A half century ago the 
simplicity of the district school and the stateliness of the 
academy and college were the characteristics of teaching 
everywhere. 

The high determination of the founders of state and society 
on this continent to build their superstructures on the sound 
foundations of good learning, meant only the introduction of 
the popular mind to a few fundamental objects of education 
and the elevation of the more fortunate to the refinement of 
the academic groves. For the common mind, reading and 
writing and arithmetic were deemed sufficient; for the leaders 
of thought, the dead languages were counted as an inspiration 
and guide ; and upon these two foundations were built every 
variety of educational structure which a busy and progressive 
community required. From the schools came forth the indus- 
trious and sagacious multitude, who taught themselves by 
experience how to manage the practical affairs of life, and 
were merchants, mechanics, farmers in the world of business. 
From the colleges were graduated the more cultivated youth 
who were to develop their minds, made receptive and graceful 
by classical culture, in the work of the lawyer, the clergyman, 
the physician, the statesman, into whose hands were to be 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, 19 

delivered our lives and fortunes in this world and our salva- 
tion and happiness in the world to come. 

In our day, however, the work and object of education 
have entirely changed in accordance with the more intricate 
and elaborate life by which we are surrounded and in which 
we perform our part. The variety and magnitude of human 
occupation both mental and physical require special prepara- 
tion for each branch of service to which man devotes himself. 
The time has gone by when we may consider ourselves expert 
by instinct. It is enough now for each man to do one thing 
well. We respect and have confidence in one accomplishment, 
and we call it power in the professions — skilled labor in the 
trades. And for the attainment of this accomplishment we 
devote ourselves to specialties in education and establish 
Schools of Technology, Business Colleges, Industrial Insti- 
tutes to prepare ourselves for the daily toil of life. 

From this determination to cultivate ourselves appropri- 
ately we have not only acquired superior skill in all the handi- 
crafts of life and roused that creative genius which inspires all 
our invention, but we have arrived at a degree of mental 
activity and general intelligence never equaled in any age of 
the world. In the affairs of life now a man's head is consid- 
ered to be worth as much as his hands — the relative market 
value of these two commodities having materially changed 
since the common and concurrent mind began to assert itself 
and its supremacy. Mark now the amount of intelligence 
required to manage and run our railroads ; the foresight, pru- 
dence and comprehension of the president ; the watchful, sys- 
tematizing power of the c uperintendent ; the activity and self- 
possession of the conductor ; the headlong courage of the 
engineer, who plunges through mountains and overrides val- 
leys in his career; the laborers, who grow intimate with the 
vast and intricate mechanical forces employed in this great 
civilizing business — and it is easy to see why it should demand 
and create intelligent labor — an aggregation of untiring intel- 
lects all acting upon one another, from the highest to the 



20 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

lowest, in a way unknown to slower and more circumscribed 
systems of travel and transportation. The constant and rapid 
intercourse of the present day — passage by steam and com- 
munication by magnetism — the subjugation and use of mechan- 
ical forces in all their might and in all their delicacy by supe- 
rior and commanding minds, have inspired and elevated the 
observant and co-operative masses of men to a degree hardly 
surpassed by the training of our public schools. While, there- 
fore, the business of life, as represented by our railroads and 
steamships and telegraphs and mills and improved modes of 
agriculture, demands intelligent labor, it joins hands with the 
schools and does its share of the work of education. Before 
the incessant activity and extended relations created by all the 
accelerated business methods of modern days — by transporta- 
tion which opens the markets of New England to the living 
products of the pastures of Illinois and carries the laborer in 
a day from the locality where he is not wanted to the locality 
where he is wanted, by machinery which creates faster than 
even a destructive and extravagant people can consume and 
casts the printed page b/oadcast over the land, driving the 
distaff and the spinning-wheel into seclusion and mocking the 
tedious toil of the hand-press — we cannot, if we would, become 
stationary in our habits and deliberate under our necessities. 
To pause now is simply to be trampled on by the multitude. 
We must travel by steam ; we must send our wool to the mill, 
our milk to the factory ; we must know how much gold there 
is in California and silver in Arizona, and coal in. Pennsylvania 
and copper at Lake Superior ; we must read the last message 
of the President, the last debate in Congress ; we must know 
something about Gladstone and John Bright and Gambetta ; 
something about Yorktown and Atlanta ; we must use a steel 
pen and a mowing machine, and a horse-hoe and a tedder and 
a horse-rake; we must exchange photographs with our friends 
and endanger our privacy with a telephone, and recognize in 
every way the marvelous diligence of man in his use of light 
and heat and air and earth and sea for his own comfort and 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2 1 

convenience — or make up our minds to live in the world as 
not being in it. 

This modern determination to make education practically 
useful cannot be too much admired, constituting, as it does, 
one great distinction between the age of despotism and dog- 
matism and the age of freedom and inquiry. Contrary to that 
modern theory of education which would dispense with a 
large and liberal hand the bounties of sound learning to all 
men, " for the relief of man's estate," the old teachers assumed 
that the object of all learning was to elevate man above this 
sublunary sphere and to fill his mind with a lofty indifference 
to all his wants, necessities, and comforts. " Education and 
practical science," said Seneca, "teach us to be independent 
of all material substances, of all mechanical contrivances. 
The wise man lives according to nature. Instead of 
attempting to add to the physical comforts of his species, he 
regrets that he was not cast in the golden age when the 
human race had no protection against the cold but the skins 
of wild beasts, no screen from the sun but a cavern. To 
impute to such a man any share in the invention or improve- 
ment of a plow, a ship, or a mill is an insult. In my own 
time there have been inventions of this sort : Transparent 
windows, tubes for diffusing warmth through all parts of the 
building, short-hand, which has been carried to such perfec- 
tion that a writer can keep pace with the most rapid speaker. 
But the invention of such things is drudgery for the lowest 
slaves; philosophy lies deeper. It is not her object to teach 
men how to use their hands. The object of her lesson is to 
form the soul." "We shall next be told," exclaimed he, "that 
the first shoemaker was a philosopher." (I think he was, if 
he made an easy-fitting shoe.) It has been well said that in 
the minds of such men as he "the business of a philosopher 
was to declaim in praise of poverty with two millions sterling 
out at usury ; to meditate epigrammatic conceits about the 
evils of luxury in gardens which moved the envy of sover- 
eigns; to rant about liberty while fawning on the insolent and 



22 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

pampered freedom of a tyrant ; to celebrate the divine beauty 
of viitue with the same pen which had just before written a 
defense of the murder of a mother by her son." And so men 
believed, with Plato, that all practical knowledge and science 
was a mere intellectual amusement; that the study of arithmetic 
was not intended for any practical service in life, but to habit- 
uate the mind to the contemplation of pure truth ; that mathe- 
matics applied to any purpose of vulgar utility became a low 
craft, as he called it, fit only for carpenters and wheelwrights, 
and was no longer a noble science, " leading men to a knowl- 
edge of the abstract, essential, eternal truth;" that the use of 
astronomy is not to add to the vulgar comforts of life, but to 
assist in raising the mind to the contemplation of things which 
are to be perceived by the pure intellect alone ; that the science 
of medicine should be applied only to those whose constitutions 
are good, and not to those who, by inheritance or excess or 
exposure or accident, have become so permanently enfeebled 
that their heads grow giddy and full when exerted in the 
studious contemplation of divine philosophy — the remedy for 
feeble constitutions being death ; that the science of legislation 
was based on abstract virtue, and not on that practical wisdom 
which would prevent and reform crime and build up a State 
on the principles of patriotism and honesty, and courage and 
honor, and furnish the highest faculties of man an opportunity 
to exert themselves " without being molested and insulted for 
it," as General Grant said in his memorable conversation with 
Judge Hoar. 

Of the practical scientific education of our day it has 
been well said that in all its effects, and as its great result, " it 
has lengthened life; it has mitigated pain ; it has extinguished 
diseases ; it has increased the fertility of the soil ; it has given 
new securities to the mariner ; it has furnished new arms to 
the warrior ; it has spanned great rivers and estuaries with 
bridges of form unknown to our fathers ; it has guided the 
thunderbolt innocuously from heaven to earth ; it has lighted 
up the night with the splendor of the day ; it has extended 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 23 

the range of human wisdom ; it has multiplied the power of 
human muscle ; it has accelerated motion ; it has annihilated 
distance ; it has facilitated intercourse, correspondence, all 
friendly offices, all dispatch of business ; it has enabled man 
to descend to the depths of the seas, to soar into the air, to 
penetrate securely into the noxious recesses of the earth, to 
traverse the land in cars which whirl along without horses and 
the ocean in ships which sail against the wind. These are 
but a part of its fruits and of its first fruits. Its law is pro- 
gress. A point which was invisible is its goal to-day and will 
be its starting-point to-morrow." How can the teacher 
engaged in this work of education rejoice in Franklin, who 
caught, and Morse, who used, the lightning; in Brancas, who 
discovered the power of steam, and Watt and Fulton, who 
applied it; in James Smith of Deanston, who invented tile- 
drainage, and in John Johnson, of New York, who first 
employed it in this country in a successful warfare against 
drought and flood and the wheat midge ; in Count Rumford, 
who, having made a profound study of the theory of heat, set 
himself at work inventing fireplaces and grates and ovens and 
cooking-ranges; in Agassiz, who, having studied botany with 
Martius, and the embryonic development of animals with 
Oken, and zoology with Cuvier, joined hands with the farmers 
of Massachusetts in their investigations of soils and crops and 
animals, and aided in the development of the School of 
Technology there as a part of that system of practical educa- 
tion to which this Business College belongs. 

Recognizing the genius of this age, the educators of our 
country have gone on from step to step in this work of bring- 
ing all knowledge to bear upon the practical affairs of life, 
and having enlisted all scientific studies, all art, all investiga- 
tion, they now add instruction in those modes of arranging 
matters of business which make the great industrial enterprises 
possible. To Chemistry and Geology and Mechanics we have 
added instruction in Book-keeping, Penmanship, Commercial 
Law, Finance, Political Economy, Business Customs — all 



24 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

those accomplishments which are needed in the great centres 
of trade, and which give us method and system in the 
management of the affairs upon which our prosperity and 
comfort depend. 

The technical education of the working-classes of England 
has repeatedly occupied the attention of Parliament, and it 
has been urged that by this alone would a successful competi- 
tion be maintained with the artisans of the continental 
countries. 

For the trades in Birmingham and Belfast and Kendal 
and Nottingham and Sheffield, for the manufacturers of silk 
and woolen and cotton and dye-stuffs, for the tillers of the 
soil, instruction has been provided in order that the industries 
of Great Britain might gain a position in the market worthy 
of a busy and producing and controlling people. If this 
method of developing and managing the handicrafts is deemed 
necessary, how important it is that the commercial laws regu- 
lating them, and the best methods of recording their results 
and keeping their accounts should be taught also. It is idle 
to suppose that the complicated business of the world can be 
conducted without systematic rules, or that it can be under- 
stood and comprehended among individuals and nations with- 
out complete and accurate accounts. 

Here and there a man of strong mental powers and defi- 
cient education can carry in his head, as it is called, the routine 
of large commercial transactions and achieve success. But 
these instances are rare. To most men the journal and ledger 
are the record of business results, and contain the story of 
prosperity or adversity by which the present can be under- 
stood and the future can be guided. With every railroad 
organization, with every manufacturing establishment, with 
every commercial enterprise, with every bank, with every 
institution in which property, sales, purchases, and values are 
concerned, there must go a well-arranged system of accounts, 
or the whole process will be simply drifting without chart or 
rudder or compass or, sextant. How often are the affairs of 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 25 

great corporations involved in inextricable confusion by incom- 
petent accountants, and how often are we compelled to wait 
for actual knowledge of the condition of an enterprise in 
which we may have a vital interest until the badly-kept books 
are properly made up. There is no sphere in life in which the 
actual facts are of more importance than in those transactions 
whose changes are apt to excite our hopes and rouse our fears 
unduly, if left to the imagination alone for information. 
There is no peace and there is but little prosperity in business 
whose condition is involved in clouds and darkness. The 
seaman needs his log, the legislator needs his journal, the man 
of business, be he farmer or merchant or banker or lawyer, be 
he the manager of his own estate or of trusts upon whose 
proper and honest management the welfare and happiness of 
the widow and the orphan depend, needs his well-kept account 
book. This is the literature of his profession, or that part of 
it, at least, which, united with his text-books on Commercial 
Law, Finance, and Business Customs, gives it form and sym- 
metry and makes it attractive to the educated mind. It is the 
means by which we are enabled to obtain that knowledge so 
well defined by your Principal when he said, on a former 
occasion, " Let us then know what business is ; what the 
duties of a business man are ; what qualities and habits are 
essential for a successful discharge of them ; what relations 
are sustained by those engaged in commercial pursuits to the 
vast exchanges made in this and other countries, and let us 
comprehend the huge bulk of property which is exchanged. 
We begin then to realize the length and breadth, height and 
depth, of the work in which we are engaged." Wise words 
from the Principal, which I hope will never be forgotten. 
(Applause^) 

The effect of a business education upon the minds of 
those who pursue it, moreover, ought to be, and undoubtedly 
is, strengthening and vitalizing. Good work is often done, I 
am aware, as a mere drudgery by one who has adjusted him- 
self by long practice into the condition of a machine. But the 



26 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

success secured by mere drudgery is worthy only of him who 
is willing to reduce himself to the level of a machine. That 
law of labor is not a good one which would require that the 
intellectual powers should be quenched and the mind stupefied 
by the methods of toil. 

It is the sacred duty of every being endowed with reason 
by his Maker to preserve his reason and enlarge his mental 
and moral powers in whatever business he may be engaged. 
There has never yet been found that tedious and wearing toil 
above which the mind of man could not rise and assert its 
immortal aspiration. From the forge and the mine and the 
mill and the counting-room and the field and the forecastle 
men have risen to high intellectual endeavor and accomplish- 
ment. The path pursued by the strong and well endowed is 
the path which can be pursued by the multitude when guided 
by the light and supported by the teaching of those who are 
able to point the way and lead the column. That the weary 
way of business can be illumined by education there is no 
longer a doubt. Nor is there any doubt that through the 
influence of careful cultivation for the practical duties of life 
the vigor and activity of the mind can be so preserved as to 
give us an intellectual business sphere, of which the banker- 
poet, Rogers, and the dreamy, fascinating clerk of the India 
House, Charles Lamb, and Hugh Miller, the stone-mason, 
and our own poet and cashier, Charles Sprague, with a host 
of essayists and publicists from every business walk, are but 
the representatives. There is no reason why the clerk and 
the merchant should not enjoy the libraries and lecture-rooms 
within their reach. There is no reason why their minds 
should not advance in strength and information as life goes 
on and wealth increases by the favors of fortune. There is no 
reason why intellectual cultivation and tastes refined by study 
should not smooth the path of adversity if such is to be their 
lot. Send forth men, then, to their duties roused by appro- 
priate education, and the mental torpor which too often shuts 
down over the daily routine will vanish forever. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2/ 

Let me remind you, also, that a thorough educational 
preparation will lead young men to respect the calling for 
which they have been taught and to comprehend the oppor- 
tunities which are before them. There is a pride based on 
ignorance which stands in the way of many a successful 
career. " Sir, you want a young man here, I believe. Here 
are my recommendations, and I am anxious to obtain employ- 
ment," said a well-appointed youth to a hard-worked and 
hard-working gentleman in his business office. " We should 
be glad to do your friends the compliment of engaging you, 
and therefore you will let me say something in regard to 
fitness," was the reply. " What shall I be expected to do ? " 
asked the young man. " To aid in the office as opportunity 
may present and to pay notes, collect drafts, etc.," was the 
answer. " I don't think collecting drafts would agree with 
my feelings," replied the young man. " Well," quietly 
responded the gentleman, " I would not advise you to do any- 
thing against your feelings. Good morning." And the 
young man vanished, to find elsewhere an occupation more 
congenial with his tastes. Do you think a graduate of this 
Business College, educated to a proper understanding of 
business affairs, taught to know the difference between 
conscience and fastidiousness, conscious of what "feelings" 
he should gratify and what suppress, would have thrown 
away an opportunity in order to gratify a prejudice? A tall, 
vigorous, intelligent young man called on me not long since 
to obtain employment in the Department under my charge. 
On inquiry I found he had been employed in a mercantile 
house in New York as a clerk at a liberal compensation and 
in a line of business which certainly promised well for the 
future. He had left it because he was unwilling to work the 
required number of hours, and he hoped to improve his con- 
dition by securing a position under the Government with all 
its enervation, its uncertainty, its absence of promotion. I am 
sure a thorough business education would have saved him 
from his mistake, and that had he been a graduate of this 



28 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

College he would have remembered the sound advice of Gen- 
eral Garfield in a commencement address, one of the best of 
his wise, discreet, and high-toned utterances, which the young 
men of this land should never forget, in which he said: "But 
while it is commendable in a young man to secure such a 
place for such a reason " (to obtain the means of getting an 
education), " I would warn him not to continue in it but to get 
out of it as soon as possible and take a place of active 
responsibility in the great industrial family of the nation." 
That was his advice, which should be written in golden letters 
upon every Technological School and every Business College 
in this land. 

The wise man seldom enters a path which he knows may 
come to an abrupt and sudden termination unless he is obliged 
to do so, nor does he willingly become an adventurer with 
knowledge of a permanent occupation. The education 
obtained in a college like this develops not only the skill of 
the student, but raises his business calling to a high standard 
in his own mind, and fills him with confidence and patient 
determination. It leads him away from expedients and 
chances and teaches him to rely on his own energy and honest 
endeavor. It takes him away from speculation of the market 
and puts him into the great producing business of this great 
producing country of ours. "In every country," says Buckle,, 
the great philosopher, " as soon as the accumulation of wealth 
has reached a certain point, the produce of each man's labor 
becomes more than sufficient for his support; it is no longer 
necessary that all should work; and there is found a separate 
class, the members of which pass their lives for the most part 
in the pursuit of pleasure — a very few, however, in the acqui- 
sition and diffusion of knowledge." If, as time goes on, this 
law is to be applied to ourselves as a people, it behooves us to 
fill every walk in life with all the practical skill and mental 
energy which education can create. There can be no pleasure 
worthy of an independent and thoughtful people which springs 
not from knowledge so widely diffused as to come within the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2g 

reach of all. As there is no place here for idleness, so there 
is no place for ignorance. There are unoccupied individuals, 
but there is no unoccupied class, none surrounded by wealth, 
which enervates, none surrounded by poverty, \^hich paralyzes. 
The controlling force of society in our country is that active, 
well educated, practical, busy mass, whose ranks are filled 
from every walk in life, the highest and the lowest, from the 
farm and the workshop, from the streets of the city and the 
wilds of the frontier, whose general level of intelligence and 
cultivation is the high and invigorating plateau from whose 
lofty bosom the commanding and towering peaks of thought 
and genius rise to dwell within the very arch of heaven. It is 
this vast, untiring multitude which constitutes the strength of 
our nationality, eclipsing everything which assumes a social 
superiority, and so drawing all common life to itself that the 
dividing line between it and any semblance of poverty and 
ignorance is invisible. Wherever the church and the school- 
house and the library and the lyceum and the newspaper go, 
this great American class is to be found, believing in an edu- 
cated man and having no use for an ignorant one. They feel 
that the polished art of Longfellow and the heaven-kissing 
genius of Emerson are their art and their genius. Theirs are 
the colleges and the schools, and the scholars are their sons. 
Between them and every great enterprise there is a bond of 
union as close as can be established between the Creator and 
the creature. The government is theirs, thank God, and will be 
— theirs the rulers, born in their homes, clothed by them with 
power. Is there prosperity? They create it. Is there adver- 
sity? They share it. Does destruction threaten? They resist 
the advance of the destroyer, and rebuild what they have saved. 
True, their country has been called the arena of a cultivated 
mediocrity. Happy would it be if all mankind could be 
brought up even to that level. "A cultivated mediocrity is 
the boundless soil from out of which must spring at times the 
vigorous and favored shoots of genius, sparse and exceptional 
though they may be, yet sufficient to supply the just needs of 



30 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

mankind — various and eccentric in their character, yet con- 
spiring to dignify and ennoble our race. Men cannot all be 
geniuses, yet there are many in whom exist the germs of art, 
poetry and eloquence, the love of beauty, the sense of the 
ideal, and the perception of the unseen. These are the men 
who, when discovered and brought out, delight, attract and 
impress the world; who are generally appreciated though not 
often followed ; whose presence and inspiration are necessary 
to the enjoyment and upward progress of the human race. 
They spread the sails in the adventurous and perilous voyage 
of life while others hold the helm and labor at the ropes." 
{Applause}) 

Let no one suppose that in a community like this success 
can be attained or satisfaction be given by those who will not 
aspire to excellence in their work. The spring and power of 
a cultivated mind are necessary to those who, in the pulpit or 
the hospital or the court or the forum, would discharge their 
duties well and meet the demands of men whose wits are 
sharpened by every progressive influence about them. In the 
ruder methods and manners of those nations which hang on 
the verge of civilization and maintain the low level of primi- 
tive trade, agriculture and domestic life, carelessness and con- 
fusion may succeed. But not here. Along with all other 
energizing influences the Business College is called on to per- 
form its part to the end that the education of the land may 
shape and control its material enterprises as it does its religious 
faith, its moral tone, its political desires and aspirations. 

I am much obliged to you, my friends, for listening to 
me so long, and I wish all the prosperity and all the success 
and all the usefulness to this Business College, which is so well 
managed, in which I find the people of this goodly city are so 
deeply interested for themselves and those who are to come 
after them. {Hearty applause') 



©iocjPcip^ieal Scoter} 
Thjonqas j^\.a.y I°oip©o. 



School teacher, master of arts, doctor of philosophy, expert 
accountant, court expert in handwriting, Principal of Peirce School of 
Business and Shorthand, etc. 

This popular commercial teacher and friend of the young was 
born at Chester, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1837. d- I 
He was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, and graduated in 
his seventeenth year from the Boys' Central High School. He spent 
several years in travel and business, and then began his career as a 
schoolmaster, being successively instructor in Montgomery county, in 
the Norristown High School, in the Manayunk Grammar School, and in 
the Monroe and Mount Vernon Grammar Schools of Philadelphia. 

In 1865 he established Peirce School of Business, and became its 
Principal. Of this institution eminent friends will speak in these pages. 
Dr. Peirce's motto is "onward and upward," and he is much respected 
by the tens of thousands of young and old friends of this model 
commercial Alma Mater. 

Dr. Peirce is a fluent and graceful speaker, and an active worker 
in the church. He has been licensed to preach, but so far has preferred 
to serve the cause of religion and education in a non-ecclesiastical 
capacity. He was celebrated as a court expert in accounts and in hand- 
writing, was president of the " Business Educators' Association of 
America," is president of the " Bookkeepers' Beneficial Association," 
and president of the " Contributors Association of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Hospital." He is universally honored and esteemed as an upright, 
benevolent and progressive teacher, of great executive talent and large 
experience, zealously devoted to his life-work, in which few have been so 
successful and useful. For further particulars of his life the reader is 
referred to "A Biographical Album of Prominent Pennsylvanians." 
(Philadelphia, 1889). 

N. H. 



/\cLcIpqss of l^pii^oipal Poipeo 
l^posoqtirig JDiplonqas, 



Members of the Graduating Class : — In view of the fact 
that Reverend Doctor Buckley is present with us formally to 
address you, I have no doubt you will excuse me from any 
extended remarks in that direction. Nevertheless, our rela- 
tions have been so cordial and friendly that I feel I would be 
doing the Faculty an injustice were I not at least to wish you 
God-speed on their behalf on this, your graduating night. 



i3iogra.pl^i©al Sl^ot©]^ 

OF 

cJarr^os ^or)roo JSuel^loy. 



Doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, editor, author, lecturer. 

Dr. Buckley was born December 16, 1836, in Rahway, New Jersey. 
He was educated at Pennington, New Jersey, Seminary, and entered the 
class of i860 at Wesleyan University, but left college during the second 
year on account of failing health. He studied theology and acted as 
pastor at Exeter, N. H., for some time. 

In 1859 he joined the New Hampshire Conference of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church on trial, and was stationed at Dover in that State. After 
proving his abilities there, was removed to Manchester, the largest in the 
State. Spent 1863 in Europe, and, returning, was transferred to Detroit, 
Michigan, in 1864; thence he removed to Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1866. He 
was a member of the General Conferences of 1872, 1876, 1880, 1884, 1888, 
1892, and in 1881 was a delegate to the Methodist Ecumenical Conference 
in London. In 1880 he was elected editor of the New York Christian 
Advocate. 

Dr. Buckley possesses great debating powers, and is always prompt 
with a store of facts upon the subject under discussion. He received the 
degree of D. D. from Wesleyan University in 1872, and a few years later 
that of LL. D. from Emory and Henry College, Virginia. He has 
written "Two Weeks in the Yosemite Valley" (New York, 1873); 
"Supposed Miracles" (Boston, 1875); "Christians and the Theatre" 
(1877); "Oats and Wild Oats " (New York, 1885); and "The Land of 
the Czar and the Nihilist " (Boston, 1886) ; "A Hereditary Consumptive's 
Successful Battle for Life'' (1891, Hunt & Eaton); "Faith Healing, 
Christian Science and Kindred Phenomena'' (Century Company, 1892). 

N. H. 



y\dd.PQSS 

T^qV. J. j^A. Buo^loy. 3D. ID., LL 3D. 



Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen: — In 1876 
I went to a city in Massachusetts to lecture. At the station 
I was met by the Chairman of the Committee, who said it was 
perfect folly to attempt to lecture that night. I inquired why. 
He told me that it was the last night of the greatest political 
campaign that Massachusetts had passed through in twenty 
years, and that Dr. Loring was to speak in the hall next to 
the church where the lecture was to be delivered. So when 
I considered that admission was free to his meeting and that 
fifty cents was charged to get into the church, I agreed with 
the Chairman of the Committee that it was folly to attempt to 
lecture. However, he determined to have the programme 
carried out, and so I delivered the lecture, and every ten min- 
utes the thundering applause to Dr. Loring in the next house 
caused me to pause. To-night, instead of attracting an audi- 
ence away from me, no doubt he has had a very large part to 
do with the attracting of the immense concourse now present. 
I would not that he had spoken a moment less. Not a word 
of his address could be well omitted, and yet I am introduced 
at a very late hour, and I shall do as the Irishman did who 
was rebuked by his employer for being late in the morning. 
Said he, " I will leave early in the evening ; it will not do to 
be late both times." No doubt that sentiment is sure of 
applause. (Laughter?) 

I am to address the graduates. It is expected that what- 
ever has been lacking in the curriculum of the institution, in 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 35 

the personal efforts of the professors, and whatever has been 
omitted in the former address requisite to make these men 
worthy successors in the mercantile world of the Chairman of 
the evening, I am to add. It is assumed that when I shall 
have concluded every young man who has received a diploma 
will go forth prepared to occupy the very highest position 
within the gift of his fellow-citizens in the line which he may 
select to pursue. I know that this is the case, because a 
quarter of a century ago I listened to a speech upon a similar 
occasion, and the speaker waxed eloquent. Said he, " I see 
before me Governors of States; I see Presidents of the United 
States ; Presidents of Colleges ; Ministers to foreign countries," 
and so on, parceling out a sufficient number of distinguished 
positions among the twenty-five to thirty others to require from 
two to three hundred persons and five hundred years to fill. 
Of course, we have gone on and fulfilled his prophecy. What 
he said about every one of us has now become history, and by 
that token I am sure that the advice that I am about to give 
to you will be the means of elevating you to those exalted 
positions. It is true that there is just a little room for doubt. 
Eloquence, however, never stops to doubt. Oratory raises no 
inquiries, but goes on, paragraph after paragraph, as if this 
were a world of certainties and not of contingencies. There- 
fore, I shall go upon the assumption that every one of you 
will succeed. I feel toward you, my friends, as the dying man 
felt toward his brother when he bequeathed him $75 ,000. The 
lawyer who was writing the will looked up in amazement. 
" Why," said he, " William, you are not worth seventy-five 
thousand cents, and yet you are bequeathing $75,000." Said 
he, " You be silent and write on. It is my will that my 
brother shall have it, and let him go to work and get it." 

The first topic upon which I propose to speak to you, 
gentlemen, is choice of a business, which is far more important 
than many suppose. I have heard men say that any business 
thoroughly pursued will give a man a competent position. 
But observe, gentlemen, men can sometimes succeed in one 



36 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

line of business who would fail in another line. Observe 
again, men can sometimes obtain a bare subsistence in one 
line who might obtain far more than a bare subsistence in 
another line. Observe again, that a man's business, from its 
very nature, may give him a position of advantage which 
will save him the necessity of a score of years of struggle. 
A number of years ago there was an institution in fashion in 
this country called the Baby Jumper. You may remember 
the Baby Jumper. Perhaps some of you are not too old rx> 
have experienced its pleasing effects. I saw in a Western city 
a citizen of wealth introduced to an audience. He was intro- 
duced by a man who did not know what to omit in his 
introductory remarks. Said he, " Fellow-citizens, permit me 
to introduce to you Mr. William R. Smith, well known and 
highly respected as the owner of the large and successful 
Baby Jumper manufactory in this city." Well, the audience 
laughed. 

Not half the effect was produced by the introduction 
•which would have followed from the statement that he was 
president of such and such a bank, or proprietor of such and 
such a large mercantile establishment, or something else. I 
sympathize with a man who says, " Never be ashamed of your 
business," but I also believe that it is wise to select a business 
which does not require so much to give it dignity. 

For those reasons the selection of business is of far more 
importance than perhaps you or your parents or even your 
teachers suppose. And the first principle I wish to suggest 
is this: If you have a strong bent for anything, all other things 
being equal, let that bent lead you. A man can do what he 
has a natural aptitude for with much greater ease and with 
greater probabilities of success than he can perform that which 
he has no natural fitness for. So, then, if it be your bent to 
study civil engineering, do it; if it be your bent to study 
mathematics in other applications, do that; if it be your bent 
to study mechanics, do that. That principle is so obvious that 
it needs no further explanation. If you have no special bent 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 37 

•or inclination, there are some suggestions which you may find 
to be useful. 

In the first place, select an honorable business. There 
are some kinds of business that are not honorable. A hun- 
dred and fifty years ago it was shown that two hundred 
thousand people in London and vicinity got their living by 
some sort of villainy or other. I will undertake to show, in 
the city of New York, where I live, not including myself 
among the number, as a matter of course, that at least one 
hundred and fifty thousand people are undertaking to maintain 
themselves by some kind of villainy that cannot be explained 
or justified, and which, when brought to the light, involves 
disgrace. Avoid every kind of business that will not bear 
daylight in all its parts ; take an honorable business, no matter 
what else it be. Let that be the first principle in selecting it. 

It is hardly necessary for me to speak about certain kinds 
of business that you are perfectly familiar with. Do not go 
into a business of such nature that you cannot show that its 
natural tendency is to benefit mankind. Of course, a man can 
make more money in the selling of rum than in any other way, 
if he is not his own best customer, for this reason : by the 
selling of rum he requires no constable to collect his debts — 
the appetite will do that ; moreover, it is five-sixths profit ; 
moreover, the business cannot be overdone — it manufactures 
its own patronage ; consequently it is a profitable business if 
a man is not his own best customer ; but, put it in the best 
light you can, you cannot show that it does mankind any 
good, therefore you are always put at a terrible disadvantage. 

Another thing — select a healthful business. I went into 
.a counting-room in New York not long since and had a con- 
versation with the proprietor. Said I to him, " How is it that 
three young men of vigorous constitutions have successively 
died in your counting-room ? " " The Lord knows," said he; 
" I don't." I looked around and I saw that no ray of sunlight 
had ever got into that room. It had but one window, and 
that faced the north. I saw that every young man writing 



38 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

in the room had his eyes covered to protect them from the 
rays of the gaslight that they wrote by in the daytime as well 
as in the night. Do not go into a kind of business that is sure 
death to an ordinary constitution. Some kinds of business 
are worse than the science of medicine, as alluded to in the 
address of the evening — dangerous to be applied to any con- 
stitution that is at all sick or diseased. Let no feeble young 
man go into a drug store. " Methinks an apothecary hereabouts 
doth well," and he can always be recognized. Did you ever 
see a ruddy-cheeked druggist who paid particular attention to* 
business ? Now and then you see one, but mark this, he is 
not a safe compounder of prescriptions; he takes too many of 
his own specific prescriptions of one sort or another. The 
apothecary in all ages has had a pallid countenance, and, 
generally speaking, wears glasses before he is thirty years old. 
Not always, of course. The point I wish to make is, select a 
healthful business. 

In the next place, select one that has a general demand, 
and not one that has merely a local or transient demand. I 
know a man of ability who is a poor man to-day. Why? 
He learned, twenty-five years ago, the coach-lamp business — 
the only thing he understands. Now, coach-lamps have gone 
out of fashion and coach-lamps are never required except 
where men have coaches. The middle classes in this country 
have ruled, and they do not have coaches, and if they do, they 
do not have lamps upon them. Here is my friend skulking 
around the world to-day. He can make as good a coach- 
lamp as any man in the world ever wished, but nobody wants 
coach-lamps in this country. Have an eye, then, to kinds of 
business for which there is a general and permanent demand 
instead of a local and transient one. Again, select a business 
that has many departments, and in which there is a chance for 
promotion. What an evil thing it is for a man to get into a 
groove. Suppose a man is five feet six inches high and the 
groove is five feet seven, what is he going to do ? Go along 
through life, invisible, hard at work, sweating and toiling in 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 39 

the groove, but he cannot get out. When I lived in New 
Hampshire there was a man named Johnny Watson, who rode 
in an old-fashioned sleigh that had a very high back, and 
Johnny's head was not tall enough to come up over the top 
of it, and the people had this proverb, " If a sleigh goes along 
with nobody in it, it is Johnny Watson." {Laughter.) A 
great many persons somehow have got into a groove that 
hides them from the world and nobody ever sees them. So 
they are jogging along. Beware of that kind of business ; get 
into one where there are many departments and where there 
is some opportunity for promotion. 

Another thing, if you can, get a business that occupies 
both mind and body ; that is the grandest business, in the 
world. Away with your mere sedentary business that keeps 
a man cooped up all day long with his head bent down ; away 
with your out-door business that is a mere species of pedes- 
trianism. A poor fellow applied to a doctor for a cure for 
dyspepsia, and the doctor said " You want out-door exercise." 
" Lord help me ! " said he, " I am a letter-carrier and walk 
twenty-four miles every day." Get a business, if you can, that 
occupies both mind and body. {Applause.) 

Young gentlemen, I want to suggest to you some kinds 
of businesses that you must be sure to avoid if you have not 
natural aptitude for them, and the first is the profession of law. 
Do not undertake the profession of law unless you have a 
natural aptitude for it. An aptitude for the profession of law, 
if you are going to be a lawyer in court, where they make less 
money — mark this, young gentlemen — the money that is made 
by lawyers is not made by the men, as a rule, who make the 
speeches and get into the newspapers. The majority of crim- 
inals have not much to pay the lawyers ; the lawyers that 
make the money are the people that do not go into court at 
all, that are transferring property and settling estates. Do 
you not see how they get rich ? You never hear of them 
until they die and their estate is settled. They have marvel- 
ous powers. Aptitude for that is one thing. Aptitude for 



40 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the position of public speaker as a lawyer, what does it not in- 
volve? Before you enter upon the practice of law read David 
Paul Brown's rules for cross-examination and other things, 
and remember that he attained his success without practicing 
any of them, and you will form some approximation to an 
understanding of what difficulties are involved in the practice 
of law. It is better to be a successful hod-carrier than a poor 
lawyer. It is not necessary to prove that, because it is very 
nearly self-evident. Any kind of success is better than the 
failure of the poor wretch that cannot get any business and 
calls himself a lawyer. 

It the next place, above all, do not enter upon the pro- 
fession of medicine without a natural aptitude for it. But what 
will these doctors do ? I made a speech not long ago, on a 
similar occasion, at the commencement of a great medical 
school. Fifty-six young doctors stood before me, and I told 
them, as the circumstances required, how to succeed as physi- 
cians. Only a few weeks ago one of them was shot dead in 
Syracuse while he was robbing a grave — one of those same 
young men that I addressed ! I wouldn't allude to that sub- 
ject, but you cannot in the slightest degree attribute his un- 
timely end to my remarks, unless, perhaps, I failed to tell him 
not to do that thing. But those fifty-six men have got to 
make a living. How are they going to do it ? Do you know 
that there are licensed doctors enough, besides quacks, in this 
country to-day to give one physician for every ninety-five 
people in the population ? How are these people going to 
get a living ? The man who has an aptitude, who can tell a 
disease, or if he cannot do that can make the patient believe 
that he has the disease that he describes — that man can get 
along and get rich. But, gentlemen, a man without an apti- 
tude for the medical profession cannot succeed in it. It is a 
very peculiar thing. He has to have a mysterious love for 
the dissecting knife; he has got to be more concerned to 
perceive the taste and fragrance of the most nauseous com- 
pounds, the decomposition and those things, than to perceive 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 4 1 

the fragrance of bouquets. I cannot describe to you what 
the man must do. 

Now, gentlemen, I come to speak of the ministry. Some 
people have an idea that anybody can succeed in that. It is 
true that ministers have marvelous opportunities of success. 
Unlike the doctor, the minister has his patients before him the 
first time he appears. No decent doctor can advertise ; that 
is very much against him, but the minister goes into the pulpit, 
and if he can command a hearing and a congregation he can 
get it for the first time, but he who fancies that a man can be 
a successful minister without natural aptitude and great labor 
makes a serious mistake. Forty-five years ago ministers were 
treated with universal respect ; they were not criticised by the 
press ; they were not criticised by the people. Almost every 
respectable man went to some sort of a church, but it is not so 
now. A minister to-day cannot put on a white cravat and get 
people to bow down to him as he goes through the country, 
merely because he is a minister. People require him to bring 
forth new intellectual moral fruits commensurate with his 
high profession, and if he cannot do it and be at the service 
of the sick and the poor by day and night, maintaining the 
even tenor of his way in the face of difficulties and adverse 
criticism, he is doomed to be miserable and to fail. No man 
can succeed in the ministry unless he has spiritual, moral, 
intellectual, and I may add physical, qualifications for that 
work. 

Gentlemen, let me say to you, do not go into the army or 
navy unless you have a peculiar aptitude for it. Do not try 
that experiment. You read General Sherman's speech at 
West Point as reported in the newspapers. It was the most 
comical speech that has been delivered in the United States 
for many years, and the reason that it was comical was that 
he meant to be in solemn earnest. Finally he said, " Gentle- 
men, I wish to do the best I can to get you places out on the 
Indian service, for there is a good deal more comfort out there 
than there is in loafing around doing clerical work." That is 



42 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

true. If you want to spend your days on the frontier praying 
for war and that you may escape if there is war, go into the 
army. {Applause)) 

Gentlemen, there is one thing more I want to mention to 
you, and that is : Do not take up any business that requires 
personal solicitation unless you have a peculiar gift for that. 
There are several kinds of business that perfectly astonish 
me. The most astonishing one is that of circulating books. 
What marvelous eloquence book agents have ! You cannot 
get rid of them if they are successful. I tried it once. A 
friend of mine and myself went out from college to replenish 
our exchequer. Now you may be surprised that I couldn't 
get along. I couldn't sell a book. I had the " Impending 
Crisis of the South." I took it into one place and showed it 
to a man and he said, " That is an infernal abolition book ; I 
don't want it." I said a few things and he hinted to me to 
depart, and I departed. My colleague, a native of the State 
of Pennsylvania, from the interior, a fellow of magnificent 
proportions and corresponding audacity, sold 750 of those 
books. " Why," said I to him, " Smith, how did you manage 
to sell them ?" Said he, " The moment a man said he didn't 
want the book, I vowed by everything good, bad and indiffer- 
ent that I would never go out of the store until he took the 
book, and so by cajolery and by not giving up and by remem- 
bering how the woman got the verdict from the unjust 
judge that did not fear God or man, I have sold those books." 
Now, if you can do that, go into the book agency, and if 
you can succeed in that, if you choose, you can take up life 
insurance. 

Gentlemen, I wish to speak a few words to you about 
changing business. Do not change your business unless you 
have to. If you have selected a business, never change it 
unless you find it dishonorable, unhealthy, or dishonestly 
conducted, or unless some extraordinary opportunity, far 
beyond anything you can reasonably expect in that particular 
place and line, opens before you. It is a great mistake to 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 43 

change business without a reason. You throw away the whole 
past of your life up to that time. All your peculiar experience 
goes for naught. The tendency, nowadays, is to change busi- 
ness, and it is a great mistake. I state that not merely from 
observation, but from the testimony of some of the most suc- 
cessful merchants whom I have had the honor to know. I 
pass to take up the subject of changing situations in the line 
in which you are. There are two circumstances in which I 
counsel you to change your situation, no matter what that 
situation is. Mark me well. In the first place, if you are so 
unfortunate as to be discharged, leave at once ; it is folly to 
attempt to stay; stand not upon the order of your going. 
The second reason is like unto the first. If the concern by 
which you have been employed becomes extinct, that is a 
good and controlling reason for changing your position at 
once. There is no reason for your hanging about there 
hoping for something to turn up. If the concern has gone into 
liquidation, there is no further use for the clerks. One of A. 
T. Stewart's clerks said to me last night, " I have stuck to Mr. 
Stewart and to Judge Hilton for a long time, but I have made 
up my mind to leave them ; they have gone back upon all 
their promises and closed up the business." Well, he cannot 
be blamed for leaving under those circumstances. Another 
reason for a change is this : If you are working for a man and 
he promises to promote you and he will not do it, and you 
know you have done your best, and you have been ready to 
work more hours than the law required, and you get a good 
opportunity, or even one not so good, do not stay with a 
merchant who, though very careful, parsimonious, and honest, 
as the world goes, has for years gone on and kept his clerks 
down and shows a disposition to keep them down, regardless 
of any promise, as long as they will stay down. When that 
is absolutely certain and as self-love comes in — you may 
exaggerate very much your own worth — consult more judi- 
cious friends who will tell you the truth, but when you become 
absolutely certain that that is the case you will be justified in 



44 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

changing the situation in the same line. But under all ordi- 
nary circumstances keep your situation as well as your busi- 
ness. If you adhere to the business, adhere to the situation ; 
you will build up a character which, if you are ever compelled 
to leave, will be worth more to you than money. 

Gentlemen, let me say to you that the pursuit of business 
has as much to do with your success as does the business 
chosen and adhered to. A man may pursue a business, con- 
sidering it an evil, a bore, and a hardship ; " How little can I 
do and succeed ?" Or he can pursue a business, considering 
it the greatest thing in this world for him next to his God and 
his family, and he is sometimes to prefer his business to his 
family. That may seem to be a rather hard doctrine, that a 
man should turn his back on his wife, his children, and pore 
over his books, or remain in his store night after night until 
midnight and leave before his family are out of bed in the 
morning. But let me tell you that there are two views to take 
of a family. One view to take of a family is in your early 
career when you have animal spirits and strength. Another 
view to take of a family is after you have passed middle life, 
when your animal spirits have declined, when the shadow 
begins to be on the wrong side of the dial, when old age 
begins to creep upon you. Ah ! if you haven't saved any- 
thing then, where is your family ? Let me say that many and 
many a time in the life of every business man he has almost 
to grieve his wife and make his children wonder why their 
father seems to have so little interest in them, to hold his 
business amid the competition and the struggles of this excit- 
ing age. Therefore, gentlemen, next to your God, if you wish 
to succeed — next to your God — oftentimes you will be com- 
pelled to have regard to the exigencies of your business. 

Moreover, master every department of the business. My 
friend, Dr. Tiffany, and myself have an acquaintance of a gen- 
tleman in New York who now occupies the very highest posi- 
tion in the mercantile world. That man was at one time a 
porter in a store ; he was porter for five years. At the end of 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 45 

five years the foreman of the establishment died. The porter 
marched in the counting-room and said to the gentleman hav- 
ing charge of the business, " I want to take the foreman's 
place." The gentleman looked down upon him with perfect 
contempt. " You come in, sir, and want to take the foreman's 
place ; why, sir, you are nothing but a porter." " True enough," 
said he, " I am a porter, but I have kept my eyes open and 
understand every department of your business from the top to 
the bottom." The gentleman did not understand the situation. 
The porter resigned his position as porter. He went straight 
across the street and took a position at $2,500 in a rival estab- 
lishment in the very position for which he applied. Five years 
or more passed away and that old concern was for sale and 
the porter went over and bought it, and to-day he occupies 
one of the most honorable positions in that great city. His 
name is known all over the city, and largely all over the land. 
He began as a porter, but he was a porter with his eyes open, 
and he understood every part of the business, and when there 
was a vacancy he was ready to rise. 

Take one case more of a similar sort. A man went to 
his employer and said, " Why did you not give me that place ; 
why did you promote that man over me ?" " I promoted him 
right over you, sir, because he has developed a capability of 
showing himself useful at any time and under any circum- 
stances, and you never did ; he never made excuses for being 
late ; he never asked to leave early ; you have done both. He 
never lolled listlessly about, and you often have." Think of 
these things, young gentlemen, and you will find that the more 
you think of them the more worthy they are of your attention. 

Avoid dissipation. I heard an old merchant say, "Any 
young man that violates God's holy Sabbath and that drinks, 
or even smokes, will steal." " Why so ?" said I, " that is a 
grievous error. I have known numbers of gentlemen that did 
not keep the Sabbath ; I have known numbers of clerks that 
drank a little and also smoked a great deal that I don't believe 
would steal." "Young man," said he, "you don't understand 



46 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

me ; any young man who pursues a course of dissipation will 
make himself worth less than the salary I pay him. If he 
goes too far he will steal money from me. If he does not go 
far enough for that, he will steal time and strength and energy 
and vivacity, for which I pay him." Now, that man was wise 
in his generation. Another thing : One of the wealthiest mer- 
chants in San Francisco who had recently built himself a mag- 
nificent block in that city looked down through the hatchway 
one night and saw a young man, one of his chief clerks 
in the counting-room, pick up the evening paper and turn 
rapidly over to the stock market reports. He watched him 
the second night, when he picked up the evening paper and 
he turned right over to the stock market reports. He 
watched him the third night. That night he telegraphed 
for his partner in Sacramento to come into town. At midnight 
the three partners met. He said, " We have got to discharge 
our book-keeper." " Why," said they, " what is the matter 
with him ?" He said, " He is robbing us." They said, " What 
has he robbed us of?" He said, " I don't know." They said, 
" This is a queer charge to bring against him." He said, " I 
tell you, gentlemen, he has robbed us." They said, " What 
has he robbed us of?" He said, " I don't know, but he must 
go or I will go." Well, they wouldn't consent. After a little 
while he compelled them to consent to put a detective on that 
man's track. In one month they discovered that he had been 
speculating in the stock market. They brought proofs to bear 
against him. He acknowledged that he had stolen $4,000, 
and he was discharged from his position forthwith, and to-day 
he occupies an inferior position in that city. Now, this is no 
newspaper story. I had it from the merchant himself last fall, 
when I crossed the Atlantic. He told this story. He told it 
to Governor Stannard, of Missouri, and myself. I said, " What 
gave you that impression ?" Said he, " No young man can 
ever show such a disposition to see the last reports from the 
stock market that has not a pecuniary interest therein," said 
he, " I knew that he had not the ability to trifle there and be 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 47 

true to us." So then, gentlemen, remember that you in the 
early years of your business, when you owe your time and all 
your powers to your employer, will do well to beware of these 
dangers that are on every side. Let your first rule be to be 
true to yourselves and then you will not be false to your em- 
ployers. In the second place, be not only true to yourselves 
and true to your employers, but fill up your mind with the pur- 
suit of your business until you have mastered it, and when you 
have done that, then you can take the advice which has been 
given to you to-night. You can go into the Mercantile Library, 
you can go out into society, you can spend your evenings lis- 
tening to lectures, and you can prove, what so many are prov- 
ing in this day, that the highest business efficiency is compat- 
ible with the highest literary culture. 

Now a few remarks to the young ladies and I wish to 
close. I supposed, sir, that among these graduates there 
would be some of the young ladies. Am I in error in sup- 
posing that you have a large department of education in con- 
nection with ladies ? 

Dr. Peirce. — You are not. 

Dr. Buckley. — Well, their names are not here, unless 
they are after the style of George Sand and some other female 
males of that sort, who, as John Stuart Mill said, occupy 
androgynous positions and wear androgynous names. Androg- 
ynous signifies having peculiarities of both sexes. But I will 
speak directly to the ladies who are present, connected with 
this institution. Ladies, your speaker does not believe in 
female suffrage. The principal reason is that he had a mother 
who was left widowed with two little boys, who devoted her- 
self to training those boys, who certainly would have long 
before now lost all claim upon your consideration if she, in 
the language of that philosophic humorist, Josh Billings, " had 
been out electioneering for Sallie Robbins." She was always 
at home and always ready to train her boys. That is one 
reason your speaker does not believe in female suffrage. But 
another reason is this : that he has the highest respect for 



48 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

women and does not believe that it is possible for women to 
do in this world the work of men and women both, and he 
does think it to be of the very highest importance that women's 
work should be done. Consequently, he does not believe in 
women in the army, women in the navy, or women on the 
police force. Now, ladies, in this age let me say to you that 
you can be what you will almost. You can make a fortune if 
you choose by thoroughly mastering the culinary art. I know 
the widow of a lawyer keeping a boarding-house now, and 
she made $10,000 clear of all expenses last year because she 
had the very best table in the city, and the reason she has it is 
that after her husband died she was thrown on her own 
resources; she studied cooking as an art, and she has mas- 
tered it, or mistressed it, whichever you please. In the next 
place, you can make money if you become poor by acquiring a 
knowledge of the fine art of dress-making. There is a woman 
in New York to-day who is so rich and so proud that she will 
not pay any attention to a lady who does not come in her 
carriage. In 1859 that woman, now so arrogant, landed in 
Castle Garden, bare-footed, from an Irish emigrant ship. 
{Applause) 

Talk about what woman can do ; she can do anything if 
she knows how to do it and has the energy to do it. There 
is a lady in New Jersey who has an income of $15,000 a year 
now as family physician. She is consulted from far and near. 
Within one week Miss Cynthia Wells, known to persons who 
are here, has been elected to a professorship of the very high- 
est position in the West. Doors compatible with women's 
natural instincts and tastes are now thrown wide open every- 
where. Women can get magnificent positions as book-keepers 
and accountants, provided they are as good or better than 
male book-keepers or accountants. 

Last week, preparing this speech after my method — as I 
cannot remember a sentence of my own I have to prepare my 
speech very much as a certain New England orator said he 
used to prepare his. Said he, " I make the dough all the time 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 49 

and put it in the trough, and when the time comes to serve up 
the biscuit I make them as quick as I can and serve them up hot " 
— so, in preparing the dough for this speech, I went into two 
large establishments where women are employed and I said to 
one of the merchants, " How do you find your female clerks in 
comparison with your male clerks?" He said, "I don't like 
them at all; I am going out of the business." I said, "What 
is the matter ? " " Why," said he, " they will talk all the time ; 
if they can't get anybody else to talk to they will talk to 
themselves." I went across the street and went into another 
establishment — a great book store. I said to the proprietor, 
" I see you have a number of female book-keepers and sales- 
women here." That is the way to put it, I suppose. They 
have had a great time in New York lately. There was a letter 
in the New York Herald showing that any man is a brute that 
says " saleswoman ; " they ought to say " saleslady ; " but finally, 
I believe, they decided that "saleswoman" was right. "Well, 
now," says he, " we are very much pleased with them, and I 
intend to increase the force ; the first of next January I pro- 
pose to discharge two or three inefficient male clerks and put 
in women." Said I, " What do you like them for ? " " Well," 
said he, " in the first place they are more quiet, and in the next 
place they are more respectful, and in the third place they are 
more accurate." Well, there you have it. That only proves 
that there are women and women, and that is all, just as there 
are men and men. So, young ladies, you are in a Business 
College. I tell you that you can succeed as well financially, 
you can succeed as well socially, you can succeed as well in 
any point of view, as any of your male companions in this 
College, providing you are willing to use all the advantages 
that your sex gives you and reduce the artificial disadvantages 
to a minimum. 

In the time that I have taken I have given you as much 
good advice as I can concentrate. I wish you the very great- 
est success. Not every one of you will succeed. I must now 
be serious. You will not all succeed. Some of you will fail 



50 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

in life. Many of you will deserve to fail. I don't know who 
you are, but it would be a miracle if every one of you went 
out deserving to succeed. Can I open the eyes of one 
thoughtless young man here and make him feel that he has 
his future largely in his own hands ? If I can, it would be 
worth a journey of a thousand miles. But some of you will 
not succeed who deserve to succeed. Gentlemen, if you go 
through life deserving to succeed, but do not succeed; if the 
divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them how we will — 
if the divinity in its inscrutable wisdom decrees failure to you ; 
if the tide which taken at the flood leads on to fortune comes 
to you at the ebb, gentlemen, remember what I tell you, that 
the man who dies feeling that he failed but knowing that he 
deserved to succeed, that man has something for which Wil- 
liam M. Tweed dying, and many a greater man than he, and 
many a man who attained a higher position, would gladly give 
all the adulation the world ever gave him or that he had been 
able to accumulate honestly or dishonestly. There is another 
world, gentlemen. A man may die a pauper so far as this 
world is concerned and enter on eternal riches, and a man may 
die a millionaire twice over — eighty over, like Gould — and be 
a pauper eternally. Therefore, deserve to succeed. If you 
deserve to succeed, you succeed, whatever your position in this 
world. {Continued applause?) 



ISiocjpa.pr^iea.1 Sl^ot©l^ 
cJohjr^ Thjorqpsor}. 



Educator, clergyman, assistant editor of the Christian Standard, 
Dean of Peirce School of Business and Shorthand. 

The Dean was born in Delaware county, October 26, 1823, and was 
brought up on a farm. Not having had college advantages, he secured 
his education by hard study. He eagerly availed himself of whatever 
educational opportunities came within his reach. For a time he was a 
night school student of Dr. Peirce's father in Chester, at the same time 
he appropriated all other educational advantages possible. By close 
application and hard study, before he reached his majority he passed the 
required examination, and by the unanimous vote of the board of 
directors was selected as teacher of a Delaware county public school. 
He continued to teach school till he entered the ministry. He is 
affectionately remembered in connection with his various charges at 
Strasburg, Lancaster county, Pa. ; Delaware City, Delaware ; Cochran- 
ville, Chester county, Pa. ; Oxford, Chester county, Pa. ; Cohocksink, 
Philadelphia ; Norristown, Pa. ; Central, Broad Street, St. Stephen's, and 
Frankford, Philadelphia. He is now assistant editor of the Christian 
Standard in addition to his duties as Dean of Peirce School. 

The Dean is a liberal Christian — devoted to the interests of education 
— and overflowing with earnest sympathy with the young. He is one of 
those faithful, loving souls who can say with St. Paul: " For to me to 
live is Christ" (Phil. 1, 21). One of those sons of Levi who respond, 
ever promptly, to the call, "Who is on the Lord's side?" (Ex. 32, 26). 
Those who take his counsel will have " an anchor of the soul, both sure 
and steadfast" (Heb. 6, 19) in all the storms of life. He does^not seek 
applause, but rather so to perform his duty, as a servant of the Master, 
that he may win the final plaudit (Mat. 25, 21) " Well done thou good 
and faithful servant." 

The Dean is a Christian "Nathanael," as we read in John 1,47: 
" Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, behold an 
Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." 

N. H. 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peirce School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Thursday Evening, June 21, 1883, 



AT EIGHT O'CLOCK, 



ON COMPLETION OF THE EIGHTEENTH SCHOOL YEAR. 



PROGRAMMED 



Thursday KVei?ii7g, tjhiq<z 21, 1883 * 



MUSIC BY THE 



Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.45 O'CLOCK. 

CHAS. Nl. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 



OVERTURE—" Concert]' Conradi 

SELECTION— "Lace Handkerchief;' Strauss 

MARCH—" Somerset;' Weigand 

FACULTY, GRADUATES AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. Bishop MATTHEW SIMPSON, D. D., LL. D. 

WALTZ — "JeunesseDoiee, Waldteufel 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
Hon. JOHN WELSH, LL. D. 

SELECTION—" Heart and Hand," Lecocq 

Annual Address, Hon. JOHN EATON, LL. D., 

UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION, WASHINGTON, D. C. 

XYLOPHONE SOLO— "Mosaic," •. Stobbe 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 

POLKA DE CONCERT, Waldteufel 

Address to Graduates, Gen. CLINTON B. FISK, 

PRESIDENT BOARD OF UNITED STATES INDIAN COMMISSIONERS. 

SELECTION— " Le Petit Due," Lecocq 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 

GALOP — " Heigh-Ho;' . Weingarten 

•a-F^INHL-E «• 



List of QpaduatQs, ©lass of '83. 



Bannon, John Joseph ' Pennsylvania. 

Bickley, Milton Horning Pennsylvania. 

Birtwell, Walter Lincoln Pennsylvania. 

Bristle, George, Jr : ., New Jersey. 

Buchanan, Henry Pennsylvania. 

Campbell, John L , . . Pennsylvania. 

Carpenter, Harry Rigby Delaware. 

Clancy, John Edward , Pennsylvania. 

Cope, William Dallas Pennsylvania. 

Cressman, Benjamin Franklin ' Pennsylvania. 

Cressman, Jacob Harvey Pennsylvania. 

Davis, Elias . New Jersey. 

Dawson, William, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Fields, Edgar McFarland Pennsylvania. 

Finkbiner, Ulysses Sidney Grant •, . . Pennsylvania. 

Gans, Walter Simon Pennsylvania. 

Garwood, Joshua Maurice New Jersey. 

Goldsmith, Samuel Pennsylvania. 

Greene, Alpheus Wertley Pennsylvania. 

Greenwood, Joseph Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Griscom, Maurice Hancock, Jr. . . . New Jersey. 

Hagel, Gustav Adolph Pennsylvania. 

Hoben, Robert Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Hughes, James Aloysius Pennsylvania. 

Jacobs, Charles Henry Pennsylvania. 

Jacobs, Harry William Pennsylvania. 

Jamison, Charles Pennsylvania. 

Jones, Samuel Pennsylvania. 

Kahre, Edward Charles Pennsylvania. 

Kaufmann, Louis Albert ...'.' Pennsylvania. 

Keller, Charles Brown, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Kuni, Charles, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Linde, Harry _ . Pennsylvania. 

Lippincott, Frank Horner N ew j erseVp 

Lodholz, Louis Pennsylvania. 

Mueller, Theodore, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Packer, Charles Lewis New Jersey. 

Palmer, George Jaquett Pennsylvania. 

Pickup, William Wesley Pennsylvania. 



$6 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Reboul, Rudolph Pennsylvania. 

Richardson, Harry Starr Pennsylvania. 

Roberts, Robert Lincoln .- Pennsylvania. 

Salmon, Joseph George Pennsylvania. 

Sanderson, Wilberforce Delaware. 

Schermerhorn, Winfield Scott New Jersey. 

Shoemaker, Richardson Pennsylvania. 

Smith, Washington Irving Pennsylvania. 

Snyder, John Michael Delaware. 

Stiles, Frank Spearing Pennsylvania. 

Sweeney, William James Pennsylvania. 

Warr, John, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Whitner, William Rosengarten Pennsylvania. 

Wishart, Frederick Grey Pennsylvania. 

Woodnutt, Richard Henry New Jersey. 

Total, Fifty-four. 



IBiogpaphjieal S^ot©h) 



Doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, bishop of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, distinguished author, leader in the great advance 
movements of the Church. He and Doctor Durbin are considered the 
greatest pulpit orators produced by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
this century. 

This beloved cosmopolitan divine, the late Bishop Simpson, was 
born in Cadiz, Ohio, June 20, 181 1, and died in Philadelphia, Pa., June 
18, 1884. He was a tutor in Meadville (then Madison) College, when only 
nineteen years of age. 

He soon began the study of medicine, and in 1833 commenced to 
practice. He entered the Pittsburgh Conference of the M. E. Church on 
trial in 1834, and was made third preacher of the St. Clairville circuit in 
Ohio. The following year he was removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. 

In 1837 he was transferred to Williamsport, and the same year was 
elected vice-president and professor of natural sciences in Allegheny 
College. He was chosen president of Indiana Asbury (now De Pauw) 
University, Greencastle, Ind., in 1839, which P°st he filled with great 
success for nine years. Elected to general conference in 1844, and re- 
elected in 1848, he was made Bishop in 1852. In 1857 he went abroad 
as delegate to the English and Irish Conference of the Wesleyan con- 
nection, and was also delegate to the World's Evangelical Alliance 
which met in Berlin. Here he won world-wide fame by his preaching 
and addresses. He subsequently traveled through Turkey, Palestine, 
Egypt and Greece. In 1859 he removed from Pittsburgh to Evanston, 
Illinois, and became nominally president of Garrett Biblical Institute. 
Subsequently he removed to Philadelphia. He again went abroad in 
1870 and in 1875. ^ n J ^74 he visited Mexico. His opening sermon at 
the Ecumenical Council of Methodists in London ; his address in Exeter 
Hall on the death of President Garfield ; his " Lectures on Preaching," 
(before students of Yale); his "Hundred Years of Methodism ; " his 
"Cyclopaedia of Methodism;" as well as his "Sermons" (published 
after his death) are venerated by all readers. A window to his memory 
is placed in City Road Chapel, London, where John Wesley preached. 
" He, being dead, yet speaketh." 

N. H. 



F^oV, JSislqop y^VattlqoW Sirqpsoq, 
ID. ID., LL. ID. 



Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we adore Thee for 
Thy greatness as manifested in Thy works, and Thy goodness 
as revealed in Thy Word. We come unto Thee this evening 
imploring Thy Divine presence and Thy Divine benediction, 
for without Thee we nothing good can do. We give thanks 
unto Thee for the great blessings Thou hast bestowed upon us, 
for our being in this age of the world, for having placed us in 
this land of light and liberty, for all the blessings of education, 
morality, and piety with which Thou hast favored us. We 
lament before Thee our weakness, our ignorance, our sinful- 
ness, and we pray for forgiveness and for Thy blessing to rest 
upon us in time to come. Especially we implore Thy bles- 
sing on this institution — its officers, its teachers, its students. 
While they are receiving information and acquiring education 
in matters temporal, may they also learn the principles of 
morality and piety, and may they grow to be a benefit to 
society and a blessing to the world. May Thy blessing rest 
on all institutions of learning everywhere, and do Thou 
increase them in numbers and in usefulness, and hasten the 
time when knowledge shall spread over our earth, and also 
when virtue and morality shall universally prevail. Bless our 
Ian J and nation, we humbly pray Thee. Rule over our rulers, 
guide those in authority, prevent all improper deviations, and 
prevent all the evil that may beset our nation and our com- 
munity. May peace and righteousness triumph in our land, 
and may the time soon come when all the land shall know 
Thee, the true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent; 
and when at last our work on earth has ended, save us, 
through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. 



JSiographjieal S^oteh^ 



Merchant, statesman, financier, international philanthropist, doctor 
of laws, minister plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of St. 
James. 

Born in Philadelphia, November 9, 1805, he died here April 10, 1886. 
He was the son and namesake of an old Philadelphia merchant, and so 
well sustained " the reputation of his father " as to win the title of " the 
foremost citizen of Philadelphia" — a title of which any mortal might be 
proud. 

He received a collegiate education but did not graduate. It was only 
in later years that the University of Pennsylvania, and Washington and 
Lee, conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. 

He was eminently successfulas a merchant, renowned for his wisdom, 
revered for his public services and his princely liberality. 

Many foreign decorations were presented him in acknowledgment of 
courtesies extended to visitors during the exhibition of 1876, when he was 
president of the Centennial Board of Finance. 

He was minister to England for two years, but resigned that high mis- 
sion to return to his beloved home. 

Amid all his duties and cares he always found time to take an active 
part in public affairs, and by his progressive enterprise, his conservative 
wisdom, and his patriotic zeal and liberality, he illustrated in his own 
person the glorious possibilities of American citizenship. 

Philosopher and merchant prince ! 

Thank God for such as he ; 
Their hist'ry lights all comers since, 

Who great and good would be. N. H. 



Iqtpoduetopy l^ornap^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Hoq, Johjr} Wolshj, LIj. ID, 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — The annual commencement of 
Peirce College of Business has brought us together this even- 
ing. Occasions of the kind are full of interest. This large 
company is a witness of it. Our thoughts now centre on the 
young men before us who form the graduating class. That 
moment in a man's life when he leaves his preparatory studies 
to grapple with the world is one not of unmingled pleasure. 
He may rejoice in what he has accomplished, but anxiety and 
fear for the fulfilment must accompany his bright anticipations 
of the future. When, as he naturally does, he looks upon the 
course of those who have gone before him, he finds that suc- 
cess is by no means universal. The study and the determina- 
tion of the cause of failure is wise, but the greatest wisdom is 
in the observation of those laws the neglect of which ordinarily 
produces it. Vice is the great maelstrom in which many fall. 
The forms it assumes may be attractive, but in whatever form, 
it is always insidious and destructive. Virtue uplifts and 
strengthens. The ground it occupies is stable; and whilst it 
may not invariably lead to what the world calls success, it 
gives to its possessor self-respect, and sustains him in all the 
changing stages of life. Its possession is beyond price. It 
has no equivalent in gold. 

I have been actively engaged in the busy walks of life for 
more than sixty years. My experience is great. I have seen 
many rise and many fall. And whilst there is no certain 
avoidance of misfortune, it very rarely befalls those who adhere 
strictly to the laws of experience and of nature. Storms and 
gales and even whirlwinds are as common to the occupations 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 6l 

of life as they are to the atmosphere, and not less destructive. 
They fail who know not how, or are not strong enough, to 
resist them, while the prudent, skilful, watchful and well- 
furnished usually pass through them unharmed and oftentimes 
avail of them to advantage. It is said that the battle is not to 
the strong, nor the race to the swift; but, depend upon it, when 
guided by a cool head, an experienced hand, a matured judg- 
ment, and a mind controlled by principle, the strong are seldom 
vanquished and the swift are almost always victors. 

There are many brilliant examples of success which are 
an exception to all laws. They dazzle the eye and excite the 
imagination. Their numbers are inappreciable when opposed 
to the thousands who toil. Be not deceived by them. The 
true object of life can be gained most surely by the constant 
effort for perfection in the performance of each day's duty. It 
is that which produces the best results in the growth of 
capacity and character. Successful work strengthens one's 
confidence in one's self, and creates confidence in all who have 
an opportunity of observing. 

Advancement comes from others rather than from one's 
own direct efforts. Consequently a character for capacity and 
integrity is the first great requisite to be sought for. The 
onward path is sure, although it is not always rapid. Happi- 
ness ought to be a continuous enjoyment, not an alluring 
phantom. It should be in possession, not something to be 
forever striven after. Each day's duty honestly performed is 
its cause and its consequence, for happiness springs from every 
anticipated duty. It increases as the duty is being discharged, 
and the heart glows with it when the duty has been accom- 
plished. Life is but a succession of days, and days thus spent 
foreshadow the happier life to come. This is what philoso- 
phers assert. It is taught by experience, and it is the great 
principle which underlies the religion of Jesus. 

My young friends, if you are wise enough thus to live, 
your success is as nearly assured as anything in this world can. 
be, not only for time but for eternity. (Applause.) 



le>iogra.ph|i©al Sl^ot©^ 
cJol^q Eatoq. 



Doctor of philosophy, doctor of laws, general in the Civil War, 
United States Commissioner of Education, president of Marietta College, 
editor, president International Congress of Education, New Orleans, 
vice-president International Congress of Education, Havre, France, etc. 

General Eaton was born in Sutton, N. H., December 5, 1829, 
graduated at Dartmouth in 1854, was principal of a school in Cleveland, 
Ohio, in 1854-56, and Superintendent of Schools in Toledo 1856-59. He 
then studied for the ministry at Andover Theological Seminary, and was 
ordained by the presbytery of Maumee, Ohio, September 5, 1861. 

Meanwhile, in August, he had been commissioned chaplain of the 
Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, and later was made brigade sanitary 
inspector. He was twice prisoner within the Confederate lines. In 
November, 1862, General Grant appointed him superintendent of contra- 
bands. Afterward his duties included white refugees. A month later he 
became general superintendent of freedmen for Mississippi, Arkansas, 
West Tennessee and Northern Louisiana, and served as such till May 
27, 1865. This, General Grant, in bis memoirs, calls the origin of the 
Freedman's Bureau. He was commissioned colonel on October 2, 1863, 
and brevetted brigadier-general of volunteers in March, 1865. Later he 
resigned as assistant commissioner of the bureau of refugees, freedmen 
and abandoned lands, and became editor of the Memphis Post from 1866 
till 1870, serving as State Superintendent of Public Instruction 1867-69, 
and organizing the free schools of Tennessee. He was United States 
Commissioner of Education from March, 1870, till August, 1886, when 
he became president of Marietta College, having tendered his resignation 
nine months before it was accepted. He brought up the Bureau of 
Education from two clerks and one hundred volumes to thirty-eight 
assistants, eighteen thousand volumes and forty-seven thousand pam- 
phlets, besides the added museum of educational illustrations and 
appliances. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 63 

General Eaton is justly regarded as one of the most advanced 
educators of his day. No other American has so long been called upon 
in a post of such responsibility to influence on so large a scale so many 
formative educational conditions and activities. 

He received the degree of Ph. D. from Rutgers 1872, and that of 
LL. D. from Dartmouth 1876 ; is a member of many learned associations ; 
he has served as vice-president of the American Association for the 
Advancement of Science, and twice as president of American Social 
Science Association. 

His services received various foreign recognitions. In Brazil he 
was made Commander of the Order of the Rose ; in France, Honorary 
Member of the Ministry of Public Instruction ; in Japan, member of an 
association of savants. 

He has published numerous addresses and reports on education 
and the various public affairs with which he has been connected. 

He resigned the presidency of Marietta in 1891, the attendance 
upon the college having considerably more than doubled. 

N. H. 



— BY 

Ooqopal cTo^q Eaton, F>h|. ID., LL.D, 



Hduoatioq aqd Busirioss. 

In accordance with the purposes of this occasion, I speak 
to you upon education and business. Education may be 
treated as comprehending those processes by which man's 
capacity is improved or rendered more effective for the work 
of life. It may be studied by itself as it goes on in human 
life from the cradle to the grave, unfolding man's powers of 
mind and body, giving them health and strength, and facility 
and right habits of action; or it may be considered in its effects 
upon human conditions. In neither direction has its possi- 
bility been measured. Every page in human history illustrates 
what it may do by showing what evils its perversion or neglect 
has entailed, or what benefits its right use has conferred, and 
points to something beyond not yet attained. Find out the 
education of a people, and from this you can determine their 
position in the scale of civilization. This great work, though 
never complete, is mainly done in infancy and youth, when 
the human powers are growing and are easily impressed or 
changed. Says Dr. Arnold, "All who have meditated on the 
art of governing mankind have felt that the fate of empire 
depended on the education of youth." That oft-quoted line, 
" 'Tis education forms the common mind," contains a truth of 
great significance; but from it too many have drawn the fatal 
conclusion that teaching or training has little to do with man's 
physical or spiritual or moral nature, or with uncommon minds. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 65 

We regard education as formative of every child that 
lives. Christian skill has made this true even of those deprived 
of the power to hear, to speak, to see, and those destitute of 
the common powers of mind or body. The parent and the 
teacher may well recall the declaration of Victor Hugo, 
" Providence intrusts us with a portion of its own functions. 
God says to man, ' I confide to thee this child.'" Naturally, 
we should consider the elements of his training in the order of 
their fitness and importance; and historically, we find that 
mankind has followed the same order, regarding first the most 
general and essential. Moreover, the object of instruction 
and training has accorded with those of the family or the 
Church or the State that directed them, while their methods 
responded to the times. In one nation or people, military or 
warlike purposes predominate ; in another, the religious and 
moral ; jn another, the aesthetic ; and again the industrial, 
pastoral, or agricultural or commercial ; and the instruction 
of the child or youth has been shaped accordingly. 

It is often affirmed that our generation is able to lay under 
contribution all that man has done ; but the leading character- 
istics, either in pursuits or in preparation for them, are chiefly 
traceable to modern dates. Child life or the formative period 
of man's existence is obscured in those times called ancient or 
mediaeval. Their monuments, whether written or sculptured, 
are chiefly occupied with royal personages or great leaders or 
events, or social storms and earthquakes. Too often we have 
to search in the debris of empires for those subtle and quiet 
forces which under the eye of the parent or teacher formed 
the men and women whose names are preserved amid the 
general wreck. The light that ushered in the dawn, as the 
night of the dark ages began to break, was moral and religious. 
Alcuin, the Saxon monk, was called across the English 
Channel to teach letters and philosophy to the royal youth 
and to the great Charles himself, from motives of State and 
Church. Following on through the centuries of European 
upheaval, behind the shock of arms, the rise and fall of 



! 



66 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

dynasties, and the fires of persecutions, and the competitions 
and contests of commerce, we discover increasing care and 
improvement in the culture of the young. 

Teachers to-day come to us with object methods as new ; 
but who has not recognized in the methods of the early ages 
of mankind, even in remote antiquity, a certain use of the 
senses and observance of the order of nature in the develop- 
ment of childhood ? Later even in the middle ages these 
principles were stated and urged. There is in the library of 
the National Bureau of Education an old book in Latin, bound 
in vellum, comprising the works of Comenius from 1627 to 
1657. On the title-page he sets forth, pictorially, something 
of the principles on which his plan is based. He represents 
himself seated at his table writing in his folio, with a globe 
before him ; at his left hand is a group of listeners attentive tx> 
the speaker or teacher before and above them. On the right 
hand of the page are art, sculpture, and painting ; above, the 
study of horology, and, crowning the whole, astronomy. In 
a portion of the centre beneath are navigation and commerce,, 
and at the right, agriculture, horticulture, printing, and 
carpentry or house-building ; and in his text he follows out 
this conception of the close relation of instruction to the arts 
and pursuits of life. 

Our country has what it possesses partly by inheritance 
and partly by its own production. Human nature among 
Americans has its universal aspirations and aptitudes. Our 
fathers transported with them their notions and institutions of 
culture, and although they declared the equality of all souls 
and the necessity that every one should be taught that he 
might know and discharge his own duties for himself and the 
State, there remained in the higher culture afforded by the 
college something of the old notions of caste. The barbarisms 
of European discipline in institutions of superior instruction 
were, indeed, rejected; but the relation of the college officer to 
the student, or of the members of the advanced classes to the 
freshmen, was, to say the least, grotesque. The necessities 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 6j 

of learning were found largely in the duties of the Church 
and State, and the educated classes, with the officers of civil 
administration, were given seats in the order of rank in the 
New England Church. The Quaker, under the influence of 
his inner light, uttered a mighty protest against this " flum- 
mery;" but his descendant, still possessed of an ample 
share of human nature, felt the separating influences of 
improvement and culture, and there was a day in his midst 
when the lawyer saw the superiority of his profession over 
that of the trader. But our country is too broad, our civiliza- 
tion rests upon too great a variety of differences, for the 
permanent preservation of geological strata in our society ; in 
American society, as in the circumambient atmosphere, the 
particles or individuals are ever in motion, rising and falling. 
Every one is made to feel his self-dependence. Our maxims 
are full of the truth : " Every man is the architect of his own 
fortune;" " Every tub must stand or fall by itself." (Applause) 
Great authorities are fond of calling ours an age of 
workingmen. Ours is pre-eminently a country of workers. 
Our wise fathers saw fit, by constitutional declaration, to make 
impossible those laws of primogeniture and entail which in 
other countries have kept wealth undivided in a single family 
representative, and so laid the basis of patronymic aristocracy. 
Here all may sink or rise alike, according as they neglect or 
improve their powers and opportunities. Every one who 
would gain the crown in the race of life must be a bread- 
winner ; that is, must keep close to the practical side which 
secures a supply of his wants. Under other forms of gov- 
ernment, royal men and women study and practice arts and 
trades that they may the more effectually be patrons of arti- 
sans and traders. In your Centennial you have seen the 
specimens of handwork of Queen Victoria and her daughters. 
Even this motive to a practical knowledge of the most simple 
and necessary life duties is commendable. Unfortunately, it 
has not always had its effect upon the minds of those among 
us who have gained great wealth and enjoyed its temporary 



68 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

advantages. They have not always been free from despising 
labor and treating those who toiled with contempt. The 
mother pets the fair hand of her child as unhardened by 
use. Some way, we need not inquire how, there is around our 
industries here and there an atmosphere of taint instead of a 
recognition of the honor it deserves. 

We are not surprised that Carlyle, in his severity of judg- 
ing of the follies of the day, sent flying through the literary 
world the declaration, " The true epic of our time is not Arms 
and the Man, but Tools and the Man — an infinitely wider 
kind of epic." 

The learned classes, of whatever variety, have found them- 
selves specially dependent upon trades and arts — upon busi- 
ness. The bread of heaven does not come all kneaded and 
baked ; man's hand is required in its making. For genera- 
tions the arts, certain so-called practical affairs, descended 
from sire to son. The girl learned household arts from her 
mother, by sharing with her in their practice. The boy gained 
a knowledge of agriculture, of mechanics, of navigation, of 
commerce, beside his father, or apprenticed to some neighbor. 
Middlemen were comparatively few, and skill in trade or inter- 
change of commodities was acquired by practice. 

Gradually Ave see the coming signs of a new order of 
affairs. The art of printing preserved and recorded thought, 
experience, facts ; tedious processes of acquiring knowledge 
were shortened and simplified ; the service of one thinking 
man was infinitely extended and multiplied. Man's intel- 
lectual culture, which a few centuries ago was limited to the 
topics included in the trivium and quadrivium, classical his- 
tory or writings, or speculative thought, or mathematics or 
rhetoric or logic, found another class of data relating to 
natural history and practical affairs demanding attention, 
offering discipline and means of growth and information, that 
met the conditions of the every-day wants of life. Is it not 
natural that education should thus respond in its methods to 
ithe changes in human condition which it is intended to 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 69 

improve ? Man has ever been knocking at the arcana of 
material conditions with which he is surrounded ; his demands 
that their secrets and forces should be delivered over to him 
begin, after long struggles, to have a response. Bacon's 
Orgamim marks a great change. Nature began to open her 
arcana ; natural science unfolded its banners ; the forces of 
physics, of chemistry, began to move at man's command. 
Gravitation surrendered to Newton ; the powers of coal and 
iron and water in the hands of Watt and Stevenson and Ful- 
ton, substituted the power of steam for the toil of man and 
beast ; the railroad for the wagon train ; the steamer for the 
sailing vessel. 

We learn that the first bank of modern times was estab- 
lished at Venice some five hundred years ago. In due time 
there arose banks of issue, savings banks, and bills of exchange. 
At present paper money is of general use throughout the 
world, summing up a total of $4,000,000,000, which is sup- 
posed to be about equal to the total amount of gold coin. 
Well-credited authorities represent the banking money of the 
world at $13,000,000,000. Why should not the great change 
in the transaction of business marked by these data have cor- 
respondingly modified the methods of business education ? 
How easy and simple then ; how complicated and difficult 
now ! The savage as found here by Penn required little cult- 
ure to carry on his exchange of commodities, or prosecute 
his navigation by canoe ; how bewildered and utterly con- 
founded would he be in all his stolidity if he should be taken 
to your wharves and called upon to direct the going and com- 
ing, lading and unlading, of your fleets of sailing and steam 
vessels ; or if he should be introduced to your exchange and 
invited to direct or participate in its transactions ! The activi- 
ties of life have taken on complexity in all directions. We 
may analyze them and follow out their principles in specialties 
so that they may appear simple and easy of comprehension, 
but let no man attempt to master them in an idle hour or with- 
out effort. 



JO ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Who can stand in your depots and mark the arrival of a 
train of passengers representing the cities of the continent, 
pursuing a thousand different purposes, or study the unlading 
of a train of freight or the cargo of a ship without gaining 
some hint of the volumes of literature, art, and science that 
may be therein comprised or illustrated ? To measure the full 
import of these increasing demands for preparation for busi- 
ness, we need to comprehend the many lines of improvement 
in human affairs and the conditions that mark the great pro- 
gress of discovery, invention, and the arts and sciences. Com- 
pare the fabrics, their raw material, manufacture, production, 
transportation, consumption, to-day with these details fifty or 
one hundred years ago ; then the doctor carried the drug store 
in his pocket, now it fills vast store-houses ; then the mer- 
chant could go out well supplied with variety as a peddler, 
now his display of goods in a single department may cover a 
square of the city. Then manufactures were carried on by 
simple processes and mainly by hand, scattered in homes and 
in shops, with one or two workmen, in all villages and amid 
the remote settlements of hill and valley ; now handwork is 
the exception, machines of wood and iron and steel, con- 
structed with the greatest skill, bearing marks of the inventive 
genius of the age, take the place of human hands, concen- 
trate the processes, and multiply the results as by magic in 
all departments. Changes in man's residence and occupation 
correspond. Population concentrates, and man's industry must 
be more directive. Cities grow apace, and skill is at a premium 
in the market. Capital responds and masses its forces ; opera- 
tions in all directions tend to the gigantic. Action is intensi- 
fied ; skill is specialized. The smallest article of use, like the 
pin, must pass rapidly through a series of hands in its manu- 
facture. However specialized, each process presses the other, 
and the whole is driven by steam and become complex. We 
search in vain for a full measure of these vast changes. 

As a measure of the useful improvements to machinery 
and appliances of industry, the United States Patent Office 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 7 1 

records an issue of nearly two hundred and eighty thousand, 
and is sending out new patents at an average of four hundred 
per week. Even our great catastrophes give their impulse to 
human contrivances. In some three months after the burning 
of the Newhall House, in Milwaukee, over four hundred appli- 
cations were made for patents of new devices for escaping 
from burning buildings. [Applause) 

We read of a day when there were one thousand seven 
hundred miles of postal service, and Franklin rode about in his 
gig to inspect the offices ; now the offices number about forty- 
eight thousand, of which six thousand are money-order offices 
for the transmission of funds, thus becoming a part of the 
banking system of the country — and then there are three hun- 
dred and forty-five thousand miles of mail service ! Who shall 
keep up with the growth of telegraphs and telephones, or be 
ready when Bell shall teach us to exchange words with each 
other across the valleys and mountains on the wings of the 
rays of sunlight ? Formerly, oceans and streams and wagon- 
roads, and later the canal, were the only lines of transporta- 
tion ; now there are added to these one hundred and ten thou- 
sand^miles of railways in our country alone. Yet these are 
only so many mediums or agencies or processes by which busi- 
ness may be hastened in its transactions, and therefore so many 
signs of the larger and more complicated character of our 
commercial doings. Are all these affairs and operations to be 
studied by observation only ? Who shall count the volumes 
that have been already written about them or the sciences that 
have been laid under contribution for them ? Was there to be 
found reason in the advance of medical or theological or legal 
or scientific lore for the change in training for these profes- 
sions, from the study and practice with the separate preceptor, 
doctor, minister, or lawyer, to the study and instruction of the 
school of theology, law, medicine, or science ? Is there not 
equally ample reason now why the training of the young for 
business should have the aid of the school with its teachers 
and appliances ? It is in this view that I have, for a series of 



72 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

years, included schools and colleges for business training in 
the annual reports of the National Bureau of Education, 
equally with the schools of philosophy or arts or letters or the 
learned professions. Judging by the voices from some quar- 
ters, there are those who would pronounce this heresy, and 
declare that it forebodes conflict with solid learning ; but to 
my mind this recognition is only just. 

Purposely, thus far in these observations, I have pursued 
much the same argument and method by which we urge 
instruction and training in general, or in those directions in 
which their benefits are now unquestioned among the well 
informed. It should never be forgotten that learning, or the 
culture of morals, or the increase of health or strength of body, 
however attained, whether in the school or out of it, may add 
to the preparation for business life. There is no warfare 
between science or learning and the most practical affairs. 
The better man is trained, or his mind stored, or his character 
formed, the better can he perform any task assigned him. 
The school is only an epitome or abbreviation of the processes 
and conditions of life under the eye of a master. Elementary 
schools are admitted to impart those knowledges of reading, 
writing, reckoning, drawing and language alike useful in the 
most scientific and practical pursuits ; and advanced schools 
have from the earliest times to the present made their great 
contributions to business as well as to other pursuits, and 
especially since the days of Adam Smith has political economy 
had a place in their curricula, and so have other sciences that 
have a most close relation to the practical affairs of life been 
pursued in our colleges as they have taken form and become 
possible subjects for instruction. But the art of business ma- 
nipulation, trading itself, knowledge of titles, of bills of sale, of 
the forms in which these transactions are recorded, it must be 
confessed have been too often omitted. Many and many a 
man, though believing all the principles here urged, has found 
himself after leaving college compelled to learn the simplest 
transactions. Mothers and fathers are exceedingly remiss in 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 73 

acquainting their children with the commonest acts of trade in 
their earlier years. True, the collegian can learn all this better 
now that his powers are trained, but too often he never acquires 
them, and so is only an awkward blunderer in caring for his 
own affairs, and perhaps is burdened with poverty or plunged 
into bankruptcy when otherwise he would have had facility of 
action and with it competency. 

As we have seen, when learning was limited to classical 
and mathematical courses, physical sciences began to demand 
a chance in the schools, and have won. Industries are now 
knocking for their fair chance and will win, and training for 
business will not be left out. Why do not these common-sense 
truths everywhere take hold of the preparation for life ? Why 
are youths of eminent abilities sent to their responsibilities 
destitute of the knowledge of these first principles in every- 
day conduct, and too often even without decent handwriting ? 
What an embarrassment this alone has brought upon such 
men as Rufus Choate and Horace Greeley ! To the stranger 
their chirography might mean anything other than what they 
intended. The story is told of a man who, as chairman of a 
lecture committee in his city, had one of Greeley's notes or 
letters, and offered a prize to any one who could decipher it. 
Several persons attempted. One man read it — " Doughnuts 
fried in lard cause indigestion badly ;" another, " Idiots laugh 
at abolitionists, you bet;" a third, " I'd knock the stuffm' out 
of him if he was my offspring ;" and a young lady was posi- 
tive it read, " Sparking Sunday nights is a wholesome opera- 
tion ;" whereas, correctly read, it was " I do not intend to lec- 
ture this winter. Yours, etc., Horace Greeley." {Laughter?) 

On the other hand, what an advantage is an exact and clear 
chirography, or exact methods in the commonest transactions 
of the day ! You may have seen the specimen reproduced 
from the private accounts of George Washington. You can- 
not examine it without feeling how great the advantages he 
drew from his exactness and clearness in all his career as 
patriot, general, and statesman. 



74 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Now tiiat courses and institutions of science and technology 
have been established, from which it is reasonable to expect 
fair treatment for preparation for business pursuits, it is sad to 
hear the same complaints against them as against courses and 
institutions devoted to classical learning. A very eminent 
authority in engineering recently, in an address before the 
Boston Society of Engineers, after enumerating certain omis- 
sions in these new courses of instruction, such as sanitation, 
drainage, and irrigation, continues : " Especially do the schools 
appear to have neglected altogether any endeavor to make of 
the student a good business man. There can certainly be no 
more important exercises for the engineering pupil than the 
careful study, in detail, of well-made specifications, of contracts, 
and of the strictly business portion of engineering operations, 
and certainly nothing has been more completely neglected. 
We graduate young men who are more or less familiar with 
the mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, but 
quite unable to examine the simplest accounts of a contractor 
or to judge in any way of the economy with which any work 
is being carried on. The power to handle large bodies of 
workmen, and to obtain the greatest useful result from a given 
expenditure of money, is no doubt very largely a natural gift; 
but a very useful amount of this power can certainly be gained 
by close study and careful attention to detail, and this point 
should at all times be kept before the student." 

It must be confessed that so far among us one who seeks 
a complete business education must, as a rule, go outside of 
the courses of study established by the public schools or the 
endowed institutions for secondary and superior instruction. 
This want has been met up to the present mainly by certain 
able and cultured teachers who have seen the great public 
demand, and come forward and out of their own means and 
energies furnished the required instruction. Instead of dis- 
paragement from those engaged in other departments of 
education, they should have sympathy and support in all' 
these meritorious efforts. An increasing consciousness of the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 75 

imperative necessity for this training and of its value to the 
young is' manifested among school authorities. Arithmetics 
have an increasing amount of business forms, and text-books 
on bookkeeping are sometimes studied. 

It is not amiss to notice here two objections raised against 
these efforts with considerable force. One is that the charac- 
ter of the instruction by the teacher or text-book is so unlike 
anything in practical affairs that it is worse than useless. The 
pupil that has thus been taught banking or exchange or busi- 
ness forms, it is affirmed, has, when he takes his place in a 
mercantile house, to free himself from what he has thus 
acquired and learn the methods in practical use. It must be 
admitted that the text-book is too often made simply to sell or 
yield a profit to its owners, and that its author has either been 
ignorant of pedagogical methods or has yielded to the tempta- 
tion to- display his own acquirements, and thus has filled his 
pages with matter hardly better than puzzles for the pupil, 
ignoring the fact that the text-book should by the best methods 
secure those results best calculated to fit into daily life. Who 
shall say that the failure to prepare text-books in the natural 
sciences adapted to succeed is not less due to the inherent 
difficulties and more to the embarrassment experienced by the 
scientists in suppressing their spirit of research ? Is this not 
often the reason why they do not make the subject-matter in 
hand sufficiently clear, simple, and interesting to the child's 
understanding? Too often the method is cumbered with 
technical terms, is stilted or pretentious or better fitted to dis- 
play the author's learning than to instruct the student. 

The other objection, which pertains more exclusively to 
business education, is that drawn from a class of business men 
who despise learning. They are ignorant ; they treat all 
questions in a selfish or narrow or ignorant light. They would 
not have a boy instructed ; in their language, " the school 
would spoil him ; " " teachers are fools ; " and they do all in their 
power to keep mercantile affairs in the hands of those like 
themselves, and to make the pursuit distasteful and offensive 



j6 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

to the youth of noble aspirations. Who will be found so 
reckless of truth as to say that the vocation of business men 
is not inferior to a learned and honorable profession, if these 
men, or men like them, are the true exponents of the character 
of those engaged in mercantile pursuits ? But it should be 
affirmed and repeated until distinctly understood that these 
men do not represent the true character of their vocation. 

These objections will not stand investigation, however 
available they may be for the purpose of the opponents of a 
sound and thorough preparation for business, and of those who 
would keep this instruction out of the hands of teachers and 
out of schools. The more this instruction is made fit, the 
more its Tightness and expediency will be seen, the greater 
number of youths will resort to it, and the faster will it elevate 
and ennoble the vocation. 

A Scotch magazine of education, published at the door of 
one of the old and prominent universities, declares : " Educa- 
tion is the handmaid of human necessities ; and sooner or 
later the needs of mankind and not the theories or supersti- 
tions of schools and colleges will determine what the young 
must be taught and the conditions of the teaching. Those who 
are not blinded by devotion in the past plainly perceive that 
education is already adapting itself to the necessities of the 
times. The primary school will soon deserve its title in a 
sense different from that of the present. Its function will be 
to impart the knowledge which all must acquire, whatever 
their destiny in life — the manual and intellectual dexterities 
which are indispensable in all callings — and so much of the 
elements of the higher subjects as will enable their pupils to 
enter on their several special studies with advantage. In short, 
the primary school will furnish the whole round of elementary 
general education ; and when its pupils go elsewhere it will 
not be to carry on the same studies under somewhat different 
conditions, but practically to commence an apprenticeship to 
their life-work. Those destined for commerce will go to the 
commercial schools, where the mysteries of banking, of 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. JJ 

stocks, of bills of exchange, of foreign exchanges, and other 
technicalities of trade will be taught side by side with modern 
languages, and such a thorough training in the native language 
as the commerce of the present day requires." {Applause}) 

On the continent of Europe various forms of special 
instruction have been carried farther than with us. Schools 
for business may be found aided by the public funds. Their 
appliances are sometimes elaborate and expensive. The 
Commercial School at Antwerp, which may be taken as an 
example, has a museum for the uses of instruction, containing 
specimens of minerals, of grains, of oils, of cottons and wools 
and silks and other fabrics, to be examined and tested by 
manipulation or by the microscope or by chemistry until the 
student can know the characteristics of each, and discriminate 
one from the other and detect a fraud in the market. How 
nice the skill, how trained the eye or hand or sense required 
to grade our teas and coffees or cottons or grains, and how 
dependent is the body of merchants upon these experts in any 
department of trade! The course of study at Antwerp is also 
worthy of note. It embraces two years, and the students are 
eighteen or twenty years old. They are thoroughly trained 
in the mercantile offices connected with the school. The pro- 
gramme embraces transactions of a general business house, 
commercial arithmetic, invoices, accounts of sales, accounts 
current, commercial calculations and valuations, exchange 
operations, public funds, bookkeeping, bills of lading, foreign 
and international commercial law, general history of commerce 
and industry, commercial and maritime legislation compared, 
customs legislation, the tariff schemes of different nations, 
shipbuilding and fitting out, commercial and industrial 
geography, political economy and statistics, and correspondence 
in foreign languages — the pupil receiving instruction in 
French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, and English, and 
being required to examine and draw inferences from news- 
papers published in nearly all the business centres of the 
world. It may be of additional interest to know that there 



78 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

are prizes offered in connection with these courses which 
entitle the receivers to go abroad and spend two additional 
years in the study of their specialty. Several years since, a 
recipient of one of these prizes was sent to me with letters 
from the Belgian Government, stating that his prize entitled 
him to spend two years abroad, and he had chosen to spend 
these in America — one in studying tobacco, the plant, its 
habitat, manufacture and sale, and the other year in studying 
oils, their nature, production, and transportation. What 
chance of success would one of our untutored American boys 
stand side by side with this expert ? These high standards of 
preparation are finding a wider appreciation among our mer- 
chants, and it cannot be doubted that ere long the funds 
and teachers will be forthcoming for their establishment. 
{Applause?) 

With regard to the objection to business preparation that 
is drawn from the character of those who misrepresent their 
vocation, it may be said that there is a reverse side to every 
occupation — in every one there are those who misrepresent it. 
Ignorance and badness are permitted evils ; they are the tares 
that grow with the wheat. Ignorant and bad men may amass 
wealth as they may acquire learning and attain position ; they 
may temporarily stand at the front in their line. But making 
money is not the sole purpose of business. The chief end of busi- 
ness is the same as the chief end of man. It includes using and 
expending for necessary and right purposes as well as making 
money. Business enters or should enter into every life and 
be a part of it, and is consistent with its most exalted aims. 
The man who makes business his vocation instead of a neces- 
sary incident may as fitly remember as the man who devotes 
his whole time and energy to the most scientific or sacred pur- 
suits those lines of George Herbert : — 

" Next to sincerity, remember still 
Thou must resolve upon integrity. 
God will have all thou hast, thy mind, thy will, 
Thy thoughts, thy words, thy works." 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 79 

Indeed, the constancy and strength of this high purpose 
are specially needful lest the pursuit of wealth become the sole 
object of daily thought and endeavor ; lest the man should 
coin his affections, his friends, his family, himself into gold, 
and part with all that is valuable either in wealth or life. 
High purposes pervading business affairs give them their 
appropriate character, inviting to the best aspirations of the 
young, and satisfying to those who devote their lives to 
business. What a galaxy of great names adorn the vocation; 
to name them would be to enumerate the stars in the firma- 
ment. Many are still with us ; many are found in the memo- 
rials that record works of beneficence throughout the land. 
With what charity or enterprise, literary, scientific, or Christian, 
are their names not honorably associated ? The American 
business man can neither rely upon others to direct social 
affairs or make or execute laws for him, nor upon royal favor 
to assure his success. He must win his own way, attain his 
social position, and perform for himself the duties of a citizen. 

Lord Jeffrey is credited with the statement that half of 
the richer merchants of Liverpool lived in his day until fifty 
and died of a sort of atrophy, that they ate too much, took 
too little exercise, and, above all, had no nervous excitement. 
This would be impossible for American merchants, save for 
those ninety-five in a hundred who fail in business, as stated 
by Mr. Lawrence. All the powers and attainments and man- 
hood of the American merchant are laid under contribution 
in every direction. The tide of affairs rushes on around him; 
everything is at high pressure; his walk, his manner, is in- 
fected by it. Who shall say that he of all men does not need 
a high and far-reaching purpose; all possible preparation; a 
clear calculation of the perils along his course; sure and 
ready command of himself and his forces ; power to go and 
stop at will ; habits of rest as well as labor ; and time for a 
happy home and a place for recreation, that his youth may 
be renewed and prolonged ; and wisdom, that he may admin- 
ister on his own estate ? {Applause}) 



80 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

This form of speaking has required no distinctive refer- 
ence to sex, but I should do my subject and my own convic- 
tions injustice did I not call special attention to the fact that 
woman should have every opportunity open to her for which 
she is naturally adapted and that all corresponding instruction 
should be given her. That day has passed when it was 
thought unnecessary for her to learn arithmetic because her 
husband would do all the buying and reckoning. Even in 
case she is not compelled to be the bread-winner, she must 
take care of the home, either as mother, wife, daughter, or 
sister. For the home a large share of all incomes is properly 
expended. How much of all life worth living does the home 
include ? Here she must preside ; here comfort, health, taste, 
occupations, amusements, decorations, education, nay, the 
aspirations and manners of the family, will necessarily shape 
themselves to her character. Household expenditures go 
through her hands; why should she not be taught the chem- 
istry of the kitchen, principles of architecture and sanitation, 
and domestic economy, care of children, principles of educa- 
tion, the arts of housekeeping and the forms and methods of 
business that she must practice or supervise ? Need I press 
this point further at this moment in Philadelphia, where there 
are enjoyed the pre-eminent blessings of more separate homes 
to a thousand people than in any other city of the world with 
so large a population? This claim for woman's education 
being admitted where she has a home and support, how much 
more must it be true where she must win her own bread, and 
perhaps that of a dependent father or husband or son or 
brother, or any other member of the family ? 

When education and business hold the relation I have 
here considered there will be better preparation of the young 
for business responsibilities, greater improvements will be 
made throughout business life, and the laws and customs 
touching it will better conform to higher standards and a 
right philosophy. Already there are premonitions of this. 
High purposes, great attainments, and profound study now 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 8 1 

and then assert their presence and readjust the practices and 
laws that favor mistaken action or bear unjustly in any direc- 
tion. The public are calling business men more and more to 
places of trust and responsibility alike in financial, social, civil 
and ecclesiastical affairs. Can it be denied that business 
pursuits afford certain advantages to a growing mind not 
found in other vocations ? Mark the men who are most 
intelligent and clear sighted in acting upon the tariff, one of 
the questions most puzzling to statesmen, and observe how 
often they began life in trade, and, forming the habit of asking 
each article how and where it was produced, manufactured or 
transported, come naturally to comprehend the just place and 
rate of each fabric in the schedule. 

Nor are the opportunities suggested by business life 
limited to finance. Often have its occupations led by direct 
influence or suggestion, or for relief or recreation, to eminence 
in literature or science or art. Izaak Walton was a linen 
draper ; Rogers, the poet, a banker ; Richardson, the novelist, 
did not allow his writing to interfere with his business ; De Foe, 
the author of Robinson Crusoe, was a dealer in horses. 

What lustre have business men given to other than their 
special pursuits — men like Franklin, or Jefferson, or Webster, 
or Gladstone ! (Applause?) What we school or educate 
ourselves to be, that we are ; the young cannot know what 
they are going to be. This " to be " is in the infinitive mood, 
and so their future has boundless opportunities. 

" This universe, all glittering through the stars, 
Is kept by God an everlasting school." 

{Prolonged applause}) 



/LddrQSS by F^riqcsipal l^oireo 

TO THE 

Gtraduatiqg ©lass. 



As you have successfully completed the course of study 
prescribed in the institution of which I have the honor to be 
Principal, and we to-night publicly commend you to the con- 
fidence of the business community, I desire to say a word or 
two in parting with you ; and I will make bold to say to 
you that if you wish to succeed in business life, you must 
address yourselves to that task as you have to the one that 
you have just successfully completed. You must bring to 
bear to the one before you, effort — yes, there is another word 
that I very much prefer — labor — hard work. Well-directed, 
intelligent effort must be brought to bear upon the task 
before you. But that can secure for you naught but 
success in this life. Now when I reflect that you live in 
a land of religion as well as a land of liberty; a land in 
which the administration of justice rests upon the Bible, the 
organization of whose society rests upon religious principle ; 
a land in which human remains are ne'er seen to go to the 
dark and narrow house save in the company of a religious 
teacher ; — I dare say to you that this life on which you now 
enter is but a preparation for another. This career on which 
you are about to engage is but another school in which you 
are to acquire the training by which to live in that longer 
world to come, eternity, and therefore my prayer is that you 
will seek a personal interest in the truths of religion at an early 
day. 



]Biogra.pl^i©a.l Sl^otehj 



Merchant, miller, banker, lawyer, colonel, general, president of 
Board of Indian Commissioners, president of Fisk University, candidate 
for President United States. 

Born in York, Livingston county, N. Y., December 8, 1828 ; died 
July 9, 1890. 

His parents removed to Michigan in his infancy. After a success- 
ful career as merchant, miller and banker in that State, he removed to 
St. Louis in 1859. Early in the war he was colonel of the Thirty-third 
Missouri Regiment in the National army, was promoted to be brigadier- 
general in 1862, and brevetted major-general of volunteers in 1865. 
After the war he was assistant commissioner under General O. O. How- 
ard in the management of the Freedman's Bureau in Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee. He afterward removed to New Jersey. 

General Fisk actively aided in establishing Fisk University, Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, in 1865, and it was named for him. He was identified 
with its financial and educational interests, and was president of its board 
of trustees. He was also a trustee of Dickinson College, of Drew Theo- 
logical Seminary, and of Albion College, Michigan. He was trustee of 
the American Missionary Association, and also a member of the book 
committee of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He rendered conspicuous 
service to Methodism in his efforts towards a reunion of the Northern 
and Southern branches of the Church. He was also identified with the 
Prohibition party, and besides his well-known National candidacy he was 
Prohibition candidate for Governor of New Jersey in 1886. From 1874 
he was president of the Board of Indian Commissioners. His death in 
the midst of useful labors is widely lamented. 

N. H. 



y\ddFQSS 

©or> ©lir^toq B, Fisl^, 



Mr. President, Principal Peirce, the Graduates, 
Ladies and Gentlemen : — When I look at my watch and at 
the thermometer, I should say that we ought to go home. 
There has been so much said, and so well said, that I greatly 
fear if I should stand before you long you would forget all the 
good things that have been uttered. I remember those grand 
old days in this Academy when, twenty years ago, we used to 
gather here at the command of General Stuart, then at No. 1 3, 
Bank street, to talk about matters pertaining to the Christian 
Commission and the war, when Philadelphians would crowd 
this great temple to its roof and stay here until about mid- 
night, and then insist upon putting all the money they had, 
and their bracelets and watches and diamond rings, into the 
baskets towards the fund for taking care of the soldiers at the 
front. Those were grand days, and as I came in to-night and 
saw this vast audience, I said, " Philadelphia is as of old ; "' 
and as the hours have gone on, and I saw Bishop Simpson on 
the platform, and Rev. Dr. Buckley there in the box, and 
Speaker Randall over here, and my young friend, Frederick 
Fraley, behind me, and Mayor Vaux, who was here a moment 
ago, together with other distinguished Methodist brethren, I 
said to myself, " This is an old-fashioned watch-night, and they 
are going to stay here until midnight and be happy. [Laugh- 
ter and applause)) 

There is nothing like harmony of opinion — -all feeling 
good and all in the same direction. I dropped into a colored 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 85 

church one Sunday in St. Louis, and a colored brother was 
discoursing upon chanty, upon kindliness of feeling toward 
one another. There had been some little rupture in the 
church — they are a good deal like white people, the colored 
folks are — and he was discoursing about looking upon one 
another's sentiments with mutual forbearance. He said there 
had always been two sides to every question — always two 
sides. He said, " You know but a little time ago here in 
Missouri we had the Bentonites and the Anti-Bentonites. The 
Bentonites believed in Tom Benton, and the Anti-Bentonites 
didn't believe in Tom Benton. Then there were the Slavery- 
ites and the Anti-Slaveryites. The Slaveryites believed in 
Slavery, and the Anti-Slaveryites didn't believe in Slavery." 
Said he, " It was just so in the time of the flood, my brethren, 
when Noah was building the Ark. There were Diluvians and 
the Anti-Diluvians." He said that the Diluvians believed in 
the flood, and the Anti-Diluvians didn't believe in the flood. 
I take it that we are all Diluvians here to-night. We believe 
in the flood that washes away all wrong. We believe in the 
flood that comes in with the full tide of culture and education 
for everybody. (Applause}) Now this Academy, crowded 
with thousands of Philadelphians who honor the city that 
honors the nation and the world, is a magnificent tribute of 
confidence and esteem to the institution whose commencement 
exercises we celebrate. It says to Principal Peirce and his 
associates, " Well done and God bless you." It speeds with 
its blessings and its prayers you who will go out from this to 
grapple with the stern problems of business in this busy life 
of ours. This vast concourse of people who, with voice and 
heart and hand, bid you hope as you step over the threshold 
of inviting fields of labor, of usefulness, and rewards, will be 
an expression to you in all the coming years, beseeching you 
as did the Apostle those of Ephesus, " That ye walk worthy 
of the vocation wherewith ye are called." It is, indeed, 
befitting that the graduates from a business college should be 
saluted with as much heartiness and demonstration as greet 



86 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the students who bear diplomas from the colleges of theology, 
from law schools, from medical schools, from the military or 
the navy, or from any institution of arts. Commerce and 
business may not be one of the Muses, and the bargain may 
not be quite so beautiful a thing as the poem, the oratorio, the 
beautiful picture, or the flight of eloquence ; but the bargain 
is the material bond of human society. It is that which 
enables you to dispose of what you do not want, and to' 
receive that which you cannot produce, linking nation with 
nation in a thousand beneficial connections; linking the chief 
events of history, the triumphs of invention ; unfolding the 
manners of all peoples. The bargain is the medium by which 
is made universal in benefit that which is local in production, 
of bringing side by side the products of dissimilar climates 
widely separated. Indeed, the poem and the oratorio and the 
wonderful oration might be blotted out of existence, and the 
world would not be so utterly poor as it would be if deprived 
of the less beautiful and less aesthetic bargain. 

Young gentlemen, you who to-night pass from the ranks 
of students to those of alumni, this great company of your 
friends come to greet you and to bid you God-speed. They 
come to say to you how in all the future they will be looking 
to you to see whether you are building broad and strong the 
foundation of character in which you are to make useful the 
methods and forms you have learned in the business college. 
Your lot is cast in a wonderful time, one great want of which 
is commanding business talent thoroughly furnished for every 
good word and work, mighty in moral purpose, sober and 
earnest. We want a host of men in the counting-room, by 
the counter, in the office, in the. bustle of the exchanges, in 
railways, banks, insurance companies, on sea and shore, and 
especially such as bring conscience to bear on every transac- 
tion, who speak not with faltering and stammering tongue and 
averted eye, as though the mind were blushing at its own 
credulity, but who speak the truth boldly, whose principle is 
enshrined in the heart, and whose every act shall be eloquent 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. S? 

to quicken commercial life with the principles of Christian 
charity and uprightness and the uplifting of the world above 
the trammels of commercial selfishness. It is indeed befitting 
that the most thorough culture be given to those who go out 
into the avenues of business life. That is the open gate to 
those avenues extending around the wide, wide world, and 
inviting you to enter and achieve success. 

It is true, as was here said, that failure comes to a large 
percentage of human ventures, and if one could stand here 
and speak in the sure words of prophecy touching this future 
and lay down certain rules for your guidance, which, if fol- 
lowed, would bring you all great wealth and success, as this 
world measures success, ninety-nine out of every hundred of 
the city's population would crowd to hear the utterances. It 
is easy to stand on the platform and state certain great prin- 
ciples, so often stated that they seem trite, on which, if you 
build, success is quite sure and that all others are as the sink- 
ing sand, and it is equally true that it is easier to preach than 
it is to practice ; that we can often tell how a thing ought to 
be done much better than we can do it ourselves, the school- 
master having that advantage — you won't have an opportu- 
nity to talk back to him. I remember, when a little fellow in 
school, we were spelling in that old-fashioned second-class, 
and we were up in a row and there was a boy in the class 
that never spelled a word right. He was consistent about it. 
One day the school-master gave out a word — I think it was 
" perceive" or " relieve" for even the best of us are sometimes 
bothered which way the "i" and the "e" go — and the boy 
spelled it wrong, of course. Up went a lot of little hands, 
and the school-teacher said, " Now, let me spell that over to 
you and remember how I spell it," and he spelled it — and he 
spelled it wrong. Up went a lot of little hands again, and the 
teacher wanted to know what was the matter. " Why," we 
said, "you didn't spell that right, Mr. Root." And then the 
fellow that never spelled a word right, said, " Oh ! yes ; a 
great many school-masters puts out a word he can't spell 



88 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

hisself." (Laughter}) And you will find that all the way through 
life. There will be people putting out things to you that they 
cannot spell themselves. Now I suppose in this vast company 
there must be a great number of people who can remember 
those old days when in the old-fashioned district school- 
house we read in that wonderful book called the English 
Reader ; how we struggled through Part First of it ; and by 
and by we turned a leaf to Part Second, Selections in Poetry; 
Chapter Second, Easy Sentences ; Section 1st, Education. 
General Eaton gave you part of it : — 

" 'Tis education forms the common mind ; 
Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined." 

Now the school-master in those days was accustomed to 
bend the twig a little too often for the comfort of our common 
bodies. But underneath that old couplet of Pope's there was 
much truth with which we became familiar as we toed the 
mark in the old school-house. Our commencement days then 
were full of amusement. We read compositions on Spring 
that would have made Wiggins crazy. We declaimed choice 
selections from the Columbian Orator that stirred the dust in 
Patrick Henry's grave. We had a spelling contest, and occa- 
sionally an original poem that would have made Longfellow 
and Tennyson wish they had never been born. (Laughter.) 
I remember when I graduated, after a four years' course in the 
district school-house, of three months in each year, I became 
the poet for the class. I can recall but one stanza of that 
remarkable production. The theme was the Old School- 
house : — 

" Three miles across the lots it stood, 
Where wintry winds could beat it, 
Too much for all the hickory wood 
We boys piled on to heat it." 

(Laughter}) 

Among all the volumes of poetical effusions which have 
fallen under my eye, I have never seen a single scrap from my 
poem — not one ; but I have remembered that as the twig was 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 89 

bent in those days, the vigorous growth of the tree in years 
after was inclined. 

I asked Peter Cooper a few weeks ago what I might say 
was the secret of his success. I was in his old office with him 
in Burling Slip, New York, over the door of which was that 
faded old sign, " Peter Cooper's Glue Factory." I was buying 
a k\v tons of bone dust to fertilize my sand farm over in New 
Jersey. "Well," Peter Cooper says, " I will tell you, General 
Fisk. It is a very short recipe. It may be stated like this : 
That I owe my success to industry, integrity, and generosity, 
and sticking to one thing as my glue sticks wherever you put 
it." Well, I thought that was a remarkably good speech from 
Peter Cooper. In ten days after that interview all New York 
stood with uncovered head and did homage to the imperish- 
able name and fame of Peter Cooper, as his funeral procession 
extended from Madison Square to the Battery. He clothed 
the whole city with spontaneous mourning, and he went down 
to his grave amid the benedictions of the poor. I reckon him 
greater than any man that ever drew sw r ord in war. I reckon 
him greater than king or khan ; braver and better by far than 
those who hoard until they are bent and gray, for " All you 
can hold in your cold, dead hand is what you have given 
away." Peter Cooper stuck to one thing. He said to me 
this in addition : " When I was a young man I suffered a good 
deal by wavering purposes, at first trying this, that, and the 
other thing, but I finally hit upon glue and iron — those two 
things — and out of them I have made enough to keep me 
comfortable and do something for my fellow-meii." He stuck 
to one thing. {Applause) 

I remember reading in that very excellent family paper, 
the Sunday-School Times, of Philadelphia, a little incident that 
impressed itself upon my memory. Down here in Independ- 
ence Square, a summer or two ago, there was a busy young 
merchant making himself quite rich by selling a remarkable 
pen. Many of you, doubtless, as you traversed along Chest- 
nut street, heard his melodious voice as he called out the 



90 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

wonders of his pen. Almost everybody stopped to buy a 
pen of that boy, and he sold and made change and delivered 
the property without ever ceasing the cry of " Here's your 
matchless pen." Well, he succeeded so well that he became 
able to go to Cape May or Cresson for a brief period of rest, 
and a friend heard him training the employe who was to fol- 
low him, and he taught him that wonderful battle-cry of his 
and told him what to say about the pen and how to conduct 
himself, and he concluded with this solemn injunction, " Bob, 
just you stick to it and keep yelling and you'll succeed." 
How much there is in that. How many failures would be 
unrecorded in the annals of the mercantile agencies if the 
parties had only stuck to it and kept yelling. (^Applause') 

Now, I asked the other day one of the most successful 
railway presidents, who began a poor boy and is now cutting 
coupons from sixty million dollars, how it was that he got 
along. Says he, " What do you want to know for ?" "Well," 
says I, " I want to tell some young men what you would say 
they had better do to get along well." Says he, " You tell 
them never to splurge." That was the first thing he said. I 
didn't know what that meant. Perhaps you do in Philadel- 
phia. "And," says he, "tell them to begin carefully, to 
prosecute their business gradually, extend rather slowly but 
surely, and they never will get up a stump." Now, that was 
a singular speech, but it was just as that broad talking Western 
man stated it. 

Then I was reminded of Emerson's description of Ameri- 
can country roads. Some time ago, -when the great Concord 
philosopher was in London making a speech describing our 
roads, he said that you start out on an American road and all 
is very lovely. You go out, for instance, from the city of New 
Haven, with the elms overlocking above your head, over the 
smooth gravel and macadamized pavement, and you go out in 
the country between hedges and stone walls, and a little farther 
on you come to a common dirt road with the fences on each 
side of it, and farther on you reach the old-fashioned causeway, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 9I 

and then on farthei the Indian trail, and, he said, it finally 
ended in a squirrel's track and ran up a tree. My young 
friends, don't you end in a squirrel's track and run up a tree. 
That is the Avay Emerson described it. Begin at' the tree and 
end your life under the wide-spreading elms that shall give 
you shade and rest in the eventide of life. 

A friend of mine sent out a lot of letters not long since 
asking certain people all over the country what they thought 
was the general cause of failure among professional and other 
business men. I happened to see the replies. They were a 
strange lot. The prohibition Governor of Kansas said it was 
intemperance and idleness. Alexander H. Stephens, of 
Georgia, said it was the want of truthfulness and honesty. 
The president of Dartmouth College said it was want of 
fixedness of purpose or persistency. President Elliott, of 
Harvard, said it was dishonesty, stupidity, rashness, and 
intemperance. General Howard said it was sinning against 
the body by vice, and against the mind by overwork, and 
against the soul by making an idol of one's self. Judge 
Tourgee, the author of The Fool's Errand, replied quite at 
length, and he said that there were various reasons. He said 
there wasn't any reason in the world why ministers or doctors 
or lawyers should ever fail, because they lived on the sins of 
the people, and if they only kept sober, worked hard, and 
spent their evenings at home, they never would fail. He said, 
as a general thing, it was taking on too big a load, instead of 
taking on just what they could carry easily, and as they grew 
stronger adding to that weight. An ex-Mayor of Chicago 
said that it was whisky drinking, gambling, and reckless 
speculation, and dishonesty, and reading bad books, and a 
dreadful catalogue he made. It sounded very much like a 
story from Chicago. It seemed like a truthful report from a 
city the source of whose municipal power is in the dram shops 
and in the gambling-hells. And there are other cities as bad 
as Chicago — outside of Pennsylvania, of course. {Laughter 
and applause?) 



92 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

I was standing with an old importer of coffee a night or 
two ago in New York, and says I, " Tell me how you came to 
succeed." He is a very rich man indeed. He says, " Simply 
by doing one thing. Why," says he, " I can tell you to-night 
nearly how many sacks of coffee there are in the world. I 
know what is in the hands of the importers, about what is in 
the hands of the jobbers ; I can tell you the number of sacks 
on every ship at sea bound for any port in this or any other 
country." Said he, " Do one thing." " Why," said I ; 
"wouldn't you add tea to it? Couldn't you import tea just 
as well ? " He says, " No tea for me." Of course he took 
the other extreme. He would do just one thing. 

Now there was an auctioneer selling horses to the young 
farmers of Dakota not long since, and he stood there describ- 
ing these wonderful animals. There was one horse up that 
specially filled his eye. Amongst other things, he said that horse 
had been so well trained that he was equal to a setter — a dog 
that hunts. " Why," said he, " he will scent the game far 
away, and then he will crawl up to the herd of deer unseen 
by his rider, and quietly hide down in the grass and point his 
nose in the direction of the deer, which soon fall a prey to the 
huntsman." Well, a believing backwoodsman bid very high 
for the animal, and, of course, got him. He rode him out of 
town, and in crossing a shallow stream the horse laid down 
with him in the water and was quite disinclined to rise and 
go forward for some time. He got him up finally and took 
him back to the auctioneer, and complained of the horse's 
strange conduct, when the auctioneer in the most apologetic 
mood said, " Why, I forgot to tell you that he was just as 
good for trout as he was for deer." {Laughter?) Now then, 
my young friends, don't you go for trout and deer both. 
Put your heads in one direction. Stand by it, and don't buy 
horses at auction. I speak feelingly on that subject, for I 
have been there myself. Oliver Wendell Holmes, in his 
Latter Day Warning, tells us that the most certain indications 
of the early approach of the millennium will be : — 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 9$ 

" When he that hath a horse for sale 
Shall bring his merit to the proof, 
Without a lie for every nail 

That holds the iron on his hoof. 
" Till then may Cummings blaze away, 
And Miller Sands blow up the globe ; 
But when you see that blessed day, 
Then order your ascension robe." 

Now, young gentlemen, I congratulate you. I wish there 
were young ladies to congratulate, Mr. Principal. 

I would like to have seen a dozen of them on the plat- 
form here to-night. General Eaton said that women should 
be educated as well as anybody else for the spheres that they 
were fit to occupy. Well, now, I don't know why women 
should not occupy any sphere in the world that they have a 
mind to. I believe any person has a right to do anything that 
he can do better than anybody else, and that the time is rapidly 
coming when it shall not be a question of sex as to higher or 
lower education, but a question of capacity to do the best work 
in the best way. (Applause) 

It is only sixty years ago that Hannah Adams strolled 
into the Boston Athenaeum one day to consult some old 
authors, and all Boston went into a frenzy about it. The 
papers said, " This is dreadful for a woman to go into a public 
library and subject herself to needless insult; and then what 
does she want to be reading those books for ?" (Laughter.) 
Even the papers in Boston talked that way. Now, more 
women enter the Boston Athenseum than men. Things have 
changed in Boston. Things have changed in Massachusetts. 
Why, Ben Butler is Governor of Massachusetts. Oh ! it is a 
melancholy sight to go to Boston now and see all Beacon 
Street crowd itself into the Music Hall with saddened counte- 
nances, and the organist pull out all the minor stops of that 
great organ, and they with tearful faces lift their voices and sing, 
" Of all sad words of tongue or pen, 
The saddest of all are, we have Ben." 

(Loud laughter.) 



94 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Now, young gentlemen, there were lots of first-rate things 
that I had thought about to speak to you of, but I shall have to 
adjourn that until some other time, when I meet you in the busy 
walks of life. I can now say only this : that I trust you will 
go out from this beautiful Academy of Music to-night with 
music in your souls. Do something yourselves, through hon- 
esty and fidelity and persistency, to make the world harmoni- 
ous with Him who made the world. 

"There's music ever in the kindly soul; , 
For every deed of goodness done 
Is a chord set in the heart, 
And joy doth strike upon it, oft 
As memory doth unfold the immortal page 
On which good deeds are writ." 

The world itself is a musical instrument not yet fully 
strung. But when every coast shall be peopled by earnest 
men and women ; when every mountain and valley shall be 
overcome ; when every abyss shall be spanned for the uninter- 
rupted progress of truth ; when the harmony of common good 
shall persuade the lion and the lamb; when honor and justice 
shall drive from every business avenue insatiate greed and cruel 
keenness, and folly and trickery and fraud shall flee away as 
the vision when one awaketh ; when shall come asrain the asre 
of gold, when none were for a party, but all were for the State, 
and the rich man helped the poor man and the poor man loved 
the great ; when again shall come that day when no gilded 
saloon or dismal bar-room shall tempt frail man or woman- 
hood to fling away life and honor and hope and happiness at 
the shrine of the drunkard's Moloch ; when all religion shall 
conserve all society as virtue conserves the soul ; — then this 
world shall give its sound in harmony with the infinite intel- 
ligence, and the universe shall be one vast Academy of Music. 
(Applause?) 

I can express no better wish for you than that you, in well- 
rounded business lives, amid the multiplying duties of Chris- 
tian citizenship, shall do something to hasten that glad day. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 95 

Remember, that truth wins at last; that falsehood and scandal 
may sometimes arrest and seemingly overwhelm it, but truth 
prevails at last. It comes like the incoming sweeping tide, 
whose each succeeding white-fringed billow washes farther up 
the strand. 

" 'Tis weary watching wave on wave, 
And yet the tide heaves onward. 
We build like corals, grave on grave, N 

But pave the path that's sunward. 

" When beaten back by many a fray, 
Yet newer strength we borrow, 
And where the vanguard rests to-day 
The rear shall camp to-morrow, 

" While youth's flame burnetii still aspire, 
With energies immortal ; 
To many a haven of desire 
Our yearning opes the portal. 

" And though age wearies by the way, 
And hearts break in the furrow, 
We'll sow the golden seed to-day, 
The harvest comes to-morrow." 

{Enthusiastic applause^) 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peirce School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Thursday Evening, June 26, 1884, 



AT EIGHT O'CLOCK, 



ON COMPLETION OF THE NINETEENTH SCHOOL YEAR. 



-^ PROGRAMME ^r 

Thursday KVeijiiig, J cine 26, 1884 

MUSIG BY THE 

f 

Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.45 O'CLOCK, 

CHAS. M. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 



OVERTURE—" La Gazza Ladra," Rossini 

SELECTION— " Chimes of Normandy;' Planquette 

MARCH—" Fanfani," SUPPE 

FACULTY, GRADUATES, AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. WILLIAM CHARLES WEBB, D. D. 

WALTZ—" Mariana^ Waldteufel 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
JOHN WANAMAKER. 

SELECTION—" Beggar Student," Millocker. 

Annual Address, Rev. E. E. HIGBEE, D. D. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

XYLOPHONE SOLO—" Medley," Stobbe 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 

GAVOTTE—" Viola," J. Hill. 

Address to Graduates, Rev. T. DeWITT TALMAGE, D. D. 

PASTOR OF BROOKLYN TABERNACLE. 

SELECTION—" Carmen," Bizet 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 

GALOP — " For Fame and Fortune," Wiegand 

•» FINHLE *• 



List of Graduates, ©lass of '84. 



Aiman, Richard Haines Pennsylvania. 

Anderson, David Dunlap Pennsylvania. 

Arey, William Eisenbrey Pennsylvania. 

Arnold, Arthur Straus Pennsylvania. 

Atkinson, David Pennsylvania. 

Baird, Richard, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Bihn, Edward Rudolph Pennsylvania. 

Blumenthal, Joseph = . Pennsylvania. 

Bowen, Edwin Norman Pennsylvania. 

Bradley, James Francis Pennsylvania. 

Brown, Charles Andrew Pennsylvania. 

Burdsall, Harry Dallett Pennsylvania. 

Campbell, William Benjamin Pennsylvania. 

Carter, Woodward Davis Pennsylvania. 

Chrisman, Charles Sumner Pennsylvania. 

Dawson, Frank Bushnell Pennsylvania. 

Donahue, John Gilbert Pennsylvania. 

Dutton, Howard Pennsylvania. 

Fielemeyer, August Pennsylvania. 

Gehbauer, Charles Pennsylvania. 

Goldy, William Curlis New Jersey. 

Gunn, Stephen Franklin Massachusetts. 

Harris, William Kennard, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Harrop, Laura Jane New Jersey. 

Hendricks, Irwin Washington Pennsylvania. 

Holmes, William, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Irwin, Hervey Clifford Pennsylvania. 

Jamison, Harry Keim Pennsylvania. 

Kiefer, Henry Pennsylvania. 

Kittelman, Albert Hillegass ( Pennsylvania. 

Koch, Sallie Ann Pennsylvania. 

Lange, John Henry Pennsylvania. 

McLear, William Ziegler Pennsylvania. 

MacLardy, Robert Barber Pennsylvania. 

Makinson, Willie Buros Maryland. 

Orne, William Hawkes, Jr Massachusetts. 

Paxson, Henry Douglass Pennsylvania. 

Rorer, William Woodington Pennsylvania. 

Ruby, Robert Jackson Pennsylvania. 



100 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Shaffner, William Francis Pennsylvania. 

Smith, Elmer Davis Pennsylvania. 

Somers, Ellsworth New Jersey. 

Stafford, Edmund Dewald New Jersey. 

Stewart, Charles Bertie Pennsylvania. 

Stewart, Jesse Smith Pennsylvania. 

Townsend, John Jones . ......... New Jersey. 

Vietor, Harry Pennsylvania. 

Walker, William Kemble Pennsylvania. 

Wasley, Elmer Jonathan Pennsylvania. 

Wolbold, John Jacob Pennsylvania. 

Woodward, John Peirce Pennsylvania. 

Young, Clara Mallery Pennsylvania. 

Total, Fifty-two. 



E>iograpl^i©cil Sl^ot©]^ 
dohiq Wa.qa.rqcil^Qr. 



Merchant, Christian worker, United States Postmaster-Genera!. 

Philadelphia, justly celebrated for her establishments of learning, 
her eleemosynary institutions and her men of science, is equally proud 
of her mercantile and manufacturing celebrities. Few cities can rival 
her in goodly array of names of men who have risen from obscurity 
to well-deserved fame and success in trade and commerce. John 
Wanamaker is one of the latter. Without inherited fortune, without 
collegiate advantages, but with enterprise, energy and, above all, with 
great heart and earnest religion, he has placed himself in the front rank 
and has won the distinction of serving his country as an officer of the 
Cabinet (Postmaster-General of the United States), and stands in the 
forefront among Christian workers of America. 

Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Biography says of him : — 

" Born in Philadelphia in 1838. He was educated in the common 
schools, and engaged early in business. In 1861 he established a clothing 
house, to which he afterward added other branches of business, and he 
now has one of the largest retail stores in the United States. In 1887 
Mr. Wanamaker adopted the system of co-operation in his store, and 
during the first year of its operation over $100,000 was paid to employes 
in excess of salaries. 

" He has also organized a savings bank for employes, a building 
association, classes for instruction and a library. In 1858 he began a 
Sunday-school in Southwest Philadelphia, out of which has grown 
Bethany Presbyterian Church, and he was one of the founders of the 
Christian Commission and President of the Young Men's Christian 
Association 1870-1883. Mr. Wanamaker was Chairman of the Bureau 
of Revenue and of the Press Committee of the Centennial Exposition in 
Philadelphia in 1876." 

N. H. 






At this moment a year ago, the royal preacher of Phila- 
delphia, Bishop Simpson, stood in front of you and opened the 
commencement exercises of this institution with prayer. 
Yesterday he was carried to his burial. We pause for a 
moment, to pay a silent tribute to his memory ; and then we 
will be led in prayer by the Rev. William Charles Webb, pastor 
of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of this city. Only a 
single moment, as a silent tribute to the memory of the noble 
Bishop whose name will never be forgotten in Philadelphia. 



Williein^ ©Carlos ¥obb, 



Doctor of divinity, popular Wesleyan minister, secretary of the 
Evangelical Alliance. 

Doctor Webb was born at Tugua, Friendly Islands, July 2, 1844, and 
went to England at eight years of age. He was educated at New Kings- 
wood School, Bath, where he united with the Church. He then followed 
mercantile pursuits for four years. At eighteen he became a local 
preacher in connection with the Wesleyan Methodists, and studied for 
the ministry under Doctor Punshon, the renowned preacher and lecturer, 
In 1864, when only twenty, he was received into the British Conference, 
and was stationed at Brecon, South Wales, Suffering from a severe ill- 
ness, during his second year, he was sent to France, and from there 
went to South Africa, where for seven years he ministered to English- 
speaking people at Oueenstown, and at Cape Town. 

Visiting Doctor Guard (1875) he found his friend just closing his 
pastorate at Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, and as his successor could 
not enter upon his duties for six months, Doctor Webb was invited to 
supply the pulpit in the interim. Here he received several calls, and in 
1876 was received by the Virginia Conference and stationed at Alexan- 
dria, where he gave eminent satisfaction. Doctor Webb was married in 
1878 and accepted an invitation to Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana; 
from thence he was transferred to Ames Church, New Orleans, but Mrs. 
Webb's health suffering here, he accepted an invitation to Grace Church, 
Philadelphia, where he largely increased the membership, and raised 
$20,000 towards paying off the church debt. Here he received the degree 
of D. D. from Iowa Wesleyan University. From 1885-88 Doctor Webb 
was stationed at Christ Church, West Philadelphia. After a year in 
Pottsville, Doctor Webb succeeded to his present pastorate at Seventh 
Street, Philadelphia, where between four and five hundred persons have 
professed conversion, and many have been added to the church, while 
it is hoped the entire church debt will be extinguished before the close of 
his term, now (1892) in its fourth year. 

In addition to his pastoral labors, Doctor Webb has for several 
years been secretary of the Evangelical Alliance, succeeding Doctor 
James M. Phillips on the latter's call to India. 

N. H. 



IPray qp 
l^Q^.'Willianq ©liarlos ¥obb, ID. ID. 



Almighty and everlasting God, without whom nothing 
is good or strong, command upon us the influences of Thy 
Holy Spirit. May all that we do be begun, continued, and 
ended in Thee. Bless the Institution whose Commencement 
we celebrate to-night. Vouchsafe Thy grace to the Principal, 
and instructors, and students. Let Thy blessing rest upon all 
educational establishments. May they be controlled by men 
and women who have the fear of God before their eyes ; so 
that our sons may grow up as plants in their youth, and our 
daughters may be as corner-stones polished as the similitude 
of a palace. We especially invoke Thy presence to-night • 
Thy blessing upon the young men and women who are about 
to enter upon the voyage of life. Endow them with the quali- 
fications that will insure success. Make them diligent, 
upright, and, above all, godly. Grant that they may so use 
business relations as to develop the highest character, and 
eventually secure everlasting life. 

Bless our country ; Thy servant the President, and all 
who are placed in authority over us. Let Thy light and 
truth go out through the world, and hasten the time when in 
all hearts Christ shall be enthroned. We ask these blessings 
for Thy name's sake. Amen. 



IqtpocLuetopy F^onqa-pliS 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — Harvard and Princeton have 
had their commencements, and the boys are scarcely home as 
yet from Yale and Lafayette. Our own University, of which 
we are justly proud, comes annually to these halls on its state 
occasions. So, too, a University of Business, with nineteen 
years of honorable history behind it, comes to-night to prove 
to you its right to the place it has in our city, and to show you 
the results of the faithful labor of its distinguished Principal 
and those associated with him. 

Honored to be the president of this occasion, it is only 
mine to introduce to you the orators of the evening, who, I 
am pleased to say, without exception are on the platform, and 
you will not be disappointed. 

Permit me to say only a word or two : that I esteem such 
an institution as this of practical importance to this city and 
commonwealth. The time has gone by for young men to suc- 
ceed in business without thorough training;. The institutions 
of learning lay the foundations of good education, and then 
stop at a point when necessity compels a building for which 
there has been no training. 

A noticeable departure in the organization of educational 
institutions has recently been made by an eminent iron-master 
of this city, Mr. Joseph Wharton, whose noble benefactions to 
the University of Pennsylvania have established a Department 
of Finance, and this splendid example must certainly be fol- 
lowed all over this country, because of the practical turn 



106 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

which it will give to all our noble institutions of education. In 
the absence of such provisions, an institution such as Peirce 
College of Business fills no small place in the life of a city like 
this. We shall not think less of it, but far the more since it 
has, to be conducted by private capital, and not always perhaps 
with the reward that such risk entails. In these days, busi- 
ness, always difficult, proved so by the statistics which are 
within your reach, and far-reaching indeed to us who look for- 
ward to business life, is now more complex because of cables, 
and telephones, and six-day ocean steamers, and signal-service 
bureaus — in these days when every pound of cotton, wool, 
iron and coal can be counted, and all business doing is reduced 
to a science, let me say to you that a young man that starts in 
such a field as this will stand but little chance of success with- 
out thorough and faithful business training. The days of 
chance are gone. The mercantile profession must be studied 
as one studies law or medicine. It seems to me we cannot too 
highly honor the work that is being done in this city; first of 
all by the institution whose friends have come on a summer 
night to fill the Academy of Music, and by all such institutions 
that are akin to it, that are equipping young men to go out 
and do the work that is calling to them from every direction. 
Some will say, probably, "What shall be done with these 
young men, so many of whom are coming through the gates 
of our colleges ?" Let me say to you to-night, that in my 
judgment there never were such opportunities for young men; 
there never were so many bids for young men; banking insti- 
tutions, business establishments and great corporations are all 
crying out for young men; but they must be men of the right 
stamp; they must be men that have studied, that have applied 
themselves, that have had some training to do the work. True 
it is, what Daniel Webster said that is so often quoted when 
there is a question raised as to where young men shall find a 
place, that " There is room at the top." But it is even more true 
that there is even a larger and better place lying above the 
lowlands of the starting point, yet far below the dizzy heights 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 107 

where it is dangerous to climb, on the slopes of the hill, in the 
sunshine, in the safety — the middle place, where most of us 
have to go, is the best place. And so, while I counsel you to 
make for yourselves the highest ideal, nevertheless be content 
where there is much room and as large a field as most of us 
can fill. You may have noticed, in traveling over the Alps 
you come to a line beyond which there is no sign of vegeta- 
tion ; only the bare peaks of the mountain, not a single flower 
or shrub; and so with these high places to which so many of 
us look. They are not the best places in which to live. 
Scarcely a day passes, speaking of an ideal, that there does 
not come back to me that sentiment which I think as fine as 
any that Garfield ever uttered: " I am trying to find out God's 
plan for my life, and then I shall do my utmost not to cross 
that plan." If you want to write anything I say to you to- 
night, in your book, please put in that sentence from Garfield. 
The truth is, however, that every soul that truly and honestly 
strives to find out what God's purpose is for him, finds it. And 
you cannot have a better illustration of that than in the char- 
acter of that noble man who did find his place; and who, on 
the day of his inauguration, the hour of his triumph, stepped 
down from the high platform after taking his oath, to kiss the 
wrinkled face of his old mother. Until the time that those 
college boys at Princeton spread upon the railroad tracks their 
flowers, while his body passed on to burial, not a man had 
ever lived in this world who had so many eyes gazing on him 
in wonder and admiration. And let me say to you to-night, 
that what he did is fairly to be said to be within the reach of 
every soul under this roof to-night. You cannot say that it 
was wealth, nor was it talent; but it was the noble character 
of the man going out into all his life-work. Let me say to 
you that the best asset you can carry is character. It is bet- 
ter than money; it is better than any name or family jewel. 
Yes, integrity is that which shall count most for you. 

Let me close this already too long an introduction by 
referring you to the time when Jefferson came into Congress, 



108 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

at the time a vote was being taken. He did not understand 
the question that was before the House, and when called upon 
to vote, instantly he replied : " I shall vote as Roger Sherman 
votes." What a noble tribute that was to the sturdy old Con- 
necticut shoemaker, whose character was written upon his 
face ! And so I say to you to-night, to keep ever before you 
one thought. Blazing high up in the dome of the great 
Exchange in Manchester; written in the Book read in your 
homes, perhaps a mother's gift to you, stranger in this great 
city, find it and read it for yourself; and let no temptation, no 
scoffing, remove it from your mind : " A good name is rather 
to be chosen than great riches." 

I congratulate you, Mr. Principal, good friends of the 
College, and you, graduates, on this highly interesting occasion. 
I believe from what I am told, it is the best year the College 
has ever had. In every heart here to-night there is a great 
wish, even if unspoken, that this and all institutions like it, 
shall grow in prosperity, and have the blessing of God upon 
them, and upon all who pass through their gates. [Applause?) 



cJohjq War^anqal^op, 

INTRODUCING 

Dr. HigboQ. 



Do you know that the name of the piece of music on 
the programme which has just been given us, brings to my 
mind the story of the boy standing under the club window 
one day — the window of one of those great club buildings in 
London — looking up at two gentlemen eating breakfast. One 
of them, seeing the boy, asked what he was standing there for. 
Said he : " Sir, would you not please to give me a pinch of 
salt?" If he had asked for anything else probably he would 
have been sent away. " What do you want with a pinch of 
salt ? " asked the gentleman. " I thought, perhaps, if you would 
give me a pinch of salt, that the other gentleman would give me 
a hegg to heat it with." (Laughter and applause}) I have given 
you the pinch of salt, and the gentleman who is to give the 
egg comes next on the programme. The Rev. E. E. Higbee, 
D. D., State Superintendent of Education, formerly the presi- 
dent of Mercersburg College, and one of the most distinguished 
educators of this country. I have great pleasure now to pre- 
sent him to you. 



OF 

Elr^a-thjaq Elista. Higboo. 



Educator, doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, president of Mer- 
cersburg College, State Superintendent of Public Instruction of Pennsyl- 
vania, editor Pennsylvania School Journal, etc. 

This .eminent gentleman and honored divine was born near Bur- 
lington, .n the State of Vermont, March 27, 1830, and died at Lancaster, 
Pa., December 13, 1889. 

He was graduated at the University of Vermont in 1849, completed 
his theological course in the seminary of the German Reformed Church, 
at Mercersburg, Pa., and in 1864 was called to take the chair of church 
history and exegesis there during the temporary absence of Dr. Philip 
Schaff, in Europe. In 1866 he was elected to succeed Dr. Schaff; in 
1 87 1, was made President of Mercersburg College, and in 1881 was 
appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction of Pennsylvania. 

He was a frequent contributor to the Mercersburg Review, a literary 
and theological periodical of the German Reformed Church. For many 
years he was editor of the Pe?insylvania School Journal, in which capac- 
ity he did a grand work in a masterly manner and left an indelible 
impress for good upon the educational interests of the country. 

Dr. Higbee was a lovely character, uniting great learning and won- 
derful talents with childlike simplicity and godly living. Hon. A. D. 
Glenn, of his department, closes a eulogium on his late chief by this apt 
quotation from Goldsmith : — 

" To relieve the wretched was his pride, 
And e'en his failings leaned to virtue's side ; 
But in his duty prompt at every call, 
He watched and wept and prayed for all ; 
As a bird each fond endearment tries, 
To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies, 
He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
Allured to brightei worlds, and led the way." N. H. 



BY 

^ov, E. E. HigboQ, ID. ID., LL.D. 



The egg never makes a preface, therefore I will commence 
with my address at once. There are in the consideration of 
education many fallacies, to one of which I wish especially to 
direct your attention, and that is this : It is supposed that edu- 
cation is opposed to what is regarded as business, or the labor 
or industry of our various communities. As though, should 
you put a spelling-book into the hands of the boy, you would 
spoil his hands for the plow or for the hammer. There may 
be, it is true, systems of education that would warrant such a 
statement, but the real truth is that education and industry 
are so intimately related, they are so bound together, that one 
cannot prosper without the other. Look at it for a moment. 
Where we have only our physical frames to attend to there 
can be but little industry. Look at the North American 
Indian. He is satisfied with his bow and arrow, because they 
will gather him his game ; he is satisfied with his slight canoe,, 
because that will navigate the waters for his fishing ; he is 
satisfied with his little wigwam, for that will house him from 
the storm ; and he is satisfied with his squaw and papoose as 
they are. But suppose, for a moment, that his other powers 
are brought under culture ; suppose that his mind be awakened, 
that his heart be awakened, and the whole spiritual nature of 
the man be aroused ; will he still be satisfied with these 
things ? Would you be satisfied with the great conch-shell 
of the Fiji Islander ? Would you be satisfied with a wigwam, 
and to stick your papoose in a little bundle and hang him on 



112 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

an oak tree ? Are we satisfied with such things ? Would 
the president, John Wanamaker, be satisfied with a little traffic 
in beads and wampum ? {Applause and laughter}) Why ? 
Why, I ask ? Because the higher powers have been aroused, 
because the other elements of our nature, beyond and above 
the physical have been brought into being ; therefore this idea 
of our industry ; therefore our telegraphs, our telephones, our 
railroads, the sails of our commerce ; and therefore our art. 
How plain it is, therefore, that education brings out the powers 
of the mind, the powers of our spiritual nature ; and must at 
the same time challenge industries, multiply them upon every 
hand, and give them more or less impulse. But I cannot 
dwell upon the fallacy longer. Allow a corollary that is 
derived therefrom now. You can see at once that all educa- 
tion must be to a certain extent dependent upon the spirit of 
the age. You could not expect our Teutonic ancestors, while 
they were roaming the marshes and wild woods of entire 
Europe, to be far advanced. They were satisfied with their 
wild life, they were satisfied with their bow and spear, and the 
martial lance, because no powers beyond those were yet 
brought into exercise, challenging anything beyond. And the 
whole education, therefore, of the people under such circum- 
stances would be characterized at once by the spirit of the 
age. So when they came in contact with the Roman civiliza- 
tion and the spirit of the Christian church, they were satisfied 
for their purposes with what is called the trivium and qua- 
drivium, yet the very circumstances of the age under which 
they were placed pressed upon them so much that they had 
to go beyond these mere technical studies. 

You have read, many of you no doubt, the Charter of 
Charlemange where the clergy and monks are forbidden to 
hunt, except for those animals whose skins they might use in 
the formation of parchments for their writing. So, not a great 
while after they had their quadrivium, they had their 
scriptorium, their parchments, their students to feed ; they had 
their writers there, and all that had to be attended to ; together 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. II3 

with the weaving and the gardening, and the formation of the 
orchards. But I will not dwell longer upon that point. I 
only wish to say that whenever an age is characterized (no 
matter how, especially characterized) as this age is for business, 
for enterprise, education must follow at the same rate, while 
at the same time it may give impulse. There are various 
reasons why we need business education. Because we are a 
business people. We not only need it for the purposes that 
immediately confront us in our actual life, but we even need it as 
a corrective of the evils that spring up in the absence of it. 
Have you never heard of the Penn Bank failure ? Have you 
never heard of that deviltry? Have you never heard of 
experts required to out-devil the deviltry that is in man ? We 
need them also. Allow me then to remark that you might as 
well try to dam the Nile with bulrushes, as to stop in this age 
special training. We must have it in music, we must have it 
in sculpture, we must have it in architecture, we must have it 
in theology, we must have it in medicine, we must have it in 
business, we must have it everywhere; and that man would be 
a fool at the present time that would claim the title of one 
of the old divines, of Doctor Universalis. 

You know what the consequence would be. Allow me to 
tell you in the way of an anecdote. An old farmer, in his ambition 
to raise turkeys, put forty or fifty turkey eggs under one turkey, 
and said : " Now spread yourself." But the turkey was not able 
to cover the whole, and two-thirds of them were addled. So it 
would be now, by any man attempting to cover the whole field. 

In conclusion, then, allow me to address the young men 
here. What you need is this. Do not commence your 
specific training too early. You need a broad basis of culture 
at the start. It is utterly impossible for you to attempt to 
enter a business college unless you have a certain understand- 
ing of your mother tongue, of numbers, and of mathematics; 
and if you attempt any special culture without this preceding 
general culture you will absolutely fail, unless you have a 
genius that is extraordinary. 



I 14 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Allow me to urge your Principal. Do not, I beseech you, 
as I have an interest in the public instruction of the common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, do not draw into your Business 
College the children of this commonwealth, unless you put them 
into the preparatory school of your Professor Ibach until 
they are able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide ; and have 
sufficient groundwork. {Applause}) The egg is eaten up ! 



/^ddross by F^riqoipal I^oipcso 

TO THE 

GtPcidu.cLtiqg ©lass. 



The Diploma now presented to you certifies that you 
have completed the full course of studies pursued at Peirce 
College of Business, and that you have been found proficient 
in the several branches embraced in the curriculum, and duly 
qualified for business vocations, and that your character has 
merited the approbation of the Faculty. 

Custom requires a word or two of parting from a principal 
to his graduates. I shall not detain you, save only to call 
your attention to certain principles which experience and 
observation have determined to be very important and essential. 

First. — That person who attempts to live concentered all 
in self, be his achievements what they may, is a failure. It is a 
law of our being that we cannot fully develop our lives here 
unless we help others. 

Second. — When a helpful purpose animates your bosom 
let common sense determine the time and method of the help 
you proffer. 

Third. — There is a knowable and knowing Supreme 
Being ; it is the privilege of each one of you to know that 
Being. He knows you. Yea, verily, He numbereth the very 
hairs of your head, and whatever you do, you do knowing 
that " Thou, God, seest me," and that soon there will come a 
judgment day when the book of life will be opened, and when 
the verdict will be declared. It is my wish, my earnest wish, 
a wish in which each member of the Faculty joins me, that 
when that book is opened, and that verdict is declared, that 
each one of you may hear, "Well done, good and faithful 
servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Applause)) 



OF 

cJoh^r} War^arqal^ep, 

INTRODUCING 

Dp, Talrqago. 



I have been trying to think of the name of the main street 
of the city of Glasgow. I remember walking along that street 
one afternoon, and happening into a book store I asked to see 
American books. Among others they showed me several 
volumes of sermons. I said, "Do you sell these books?" 
And the answer was, " We sell more of Talmage's sermons 
than of any book we get from America." Well, my good 
friends, it is a very useful thing to read Talmage's sermons. 
It is a better thing to hear him speak ; and to-night you are 
to have the privilege of listening to the man who makes the 
sermons, who fills the largest church in the city of Brooklyn ; 
and you will welcome the Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, D. D., as 
an old townsman of yours. He spent many years of his life 
here, and as a great many people have just been coming in, I 
want to have the doctor take notice of the fact that they have 
evidently come just to hear him. {Applause}) I think that 
the applause you have just given shows that you all want to 
receive him, and I have great pleasure in introducing him. 
{Applause^) 



]3iogpaph|i©al Sl^otol^ 

OF 

Thjorqas TOoWitt Talnqago. 



Eminent clergyman, master of arts, doctor of divinity, pastor of the 
largest Protestant church in the United States, popular lecturer, editor of 
the Christian Union. 

Dr. Talmage was born in Bound Brook, N. J., January 7, 1832. He 
was educated at the University of the City of New York, and graduated 
at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1856, when he was 
ordained pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Belleville, N. J. His 
ministry from 1859 t0 ^62 was m Syracuse, N. Y., and from 1862 to 1869 
in Philadelphia. During the Civil War he was chaplain of a Pennsyl- 
vania regiment, and he is now chaplain of the Thirteenth New York 
Regiment. In 1869 he was made pastor of the Central Presbyterian 
Church in Brooklyn, N. Y., which post he still holds. The Brooklyn 
Tabernacle was built for him. It seated 4,000 persons, and was destroyed 
t>y fire December 22, 1872. The new Tabernacle, capable of seating 
5,000 people, was dedicated on February 22, 1874, and is the largest 
Protestant church in the United States. 

In 1862 the University of the City of New York gave him the degree 
of A. M., and in 1884 the University of Tennessee conferred upon him 
that of D. D. 

He is one of the most popular preachers of the age. His sermons 
are published weekly in more than six hundred religious and secular 
journals in this country and Europe, and are translated into many 
languages. His sermons have a very large European sale, and it is said 
that more are sold in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, than of any other 
book. He is in the pulpit what John B. Gough was on the platform. 

N. H. 



y\ddp©ss 
F^ov. T. DoWitt Talrr,ag e , ID. ID. 



I am very grateful for the welcome given me by the chair- 
man, and for the hearty salutation of this audience ; and I can 
only in return ask that you come to see us, come to New- 
York, come to Brooklyn, come to my house ; but don't all 
come at once. (Applause?) 

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 1884, it is expected 
that I shall address you to-night, and yet if my remarks 
should glance off to the right or to the left, and prove appro- 
priate to all who are in this assembly, the address will not be 
any the worse for that. 

This is the supreme hour of the ages. Of all the cen- 
turies, this is the greatest century ; of all the decades of 
this century, this is the greatest decade; of all the years of 
this decade, this is the greatest year ; of all the months 
of this year, this is the greatest month ; and of all the nights 
of this month, this is the greatest night. 

I have no patience with those people who are always 
glorifying the past. It took all the six thousand years of the 
human race, and all the millions of years of the geological 
period to make this minute possible. But I am here to say to 
these young people, there has never been a time since the first 
June of the world's creation — and the world was made in June, 
and it will close in June ; it started with a garden, it is going 
to close with a garden — there never was a time since the crea- 
tion of the world, when it was so good a time to start out 
in life as this very time. It is the supreme time of all the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. I I9 

centuries. All occupations are ready for you. Why, I come 
right out from the world. I am in it. I see it as much as 
any man can see it. I am ready to tell you to night I never 
saw so much room as there is now for honest men and honest 
women ; people inspired with the right motive, sticking to 
their trust, doing their work faithfully, and doing their level 
best. There never was such a time as now. No room for 
cowards, no room for the rascally or dissolute ; but plenty of 
room, glorious room, for those who want to do right. That 
describes you, to-night. So, instead of starting in the world 
cowed down, I want you to start with the highest inspiration. 
A great many talk as though the world was going to ruin, 
when it is going on to salvation. [Applause^ And this hour 
is one link uniting two great chains, the chain of an eternity 
past and the chain of an eternity to come. This hour is the 
connecting link. 

Now, it is understood, I believe, that I am to talk more 
especially to these who are just starting out in life. And it 
is well to have these things understood. Now, some years 
ago I was to lecture in one of the northern cities. On the 
way to the lecture I saw on a board fence a most astounding 
announcement. The announcement of my lecture, it appears, 
had been partially covered, or partially mixed-up with other 
announcements, and when I was on my way to speak, I saw half- 
a-dozen advertisements all mixed-up. Among others, the 
announcement of what I was to do. It read something like 
this : " The Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage will to-morrow night, at 
Whitney Hall, hold the Fifth Annual Firemen's Ball ; will 
spend one hundred consecutive hours at a walking match ; 
will welcome Heenan, the Champion Pugilist; will run his 
sorrel horse against any other for a purse of five hundred dol- 
lars." I never had such an embarrassing amount of work to 
do in one night. 

Now, you have no such extravagant expectations. You 
have only to listen while I speak to you about some very prac- 
tical points. I am not going to talk to you in a perfunctory 



120 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

manner, but as an elder brother talks to a younger brother. 
I am glad I can say "Ladies and Gentlemen," when I come 
to speak to this class. The business of this country will 
be a great deal better conducted, there will be fewer dis- 
honesties, when woman's hands are on the business of the 
country. I have always noticed — and you may write this 
down as a truth — no man ever committed a forgery, no man 
ever absconded, no man ever did a wrong in business, if he 
first consulted his wife. (Applause}) So now I will say, 
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am going to give you all the practi- 
cal advice I can in half-an-hour. The first thing I want to 
guard you against, my young friends, is against a multiplicity 
of occupations. I have a friend who is a very good poet, a 
very good painter, a very good sculptor — one who can do 
half-a-dozen things well ; but he is the exception to the gen- 
eral rule. A man can generally do only one thing well, per- 
haps two things. First, find your sphere ; secondly, keep it. 
The general rule is : mason stick to your trowel, merchant 
stick to your yardstick, lawyer stick to your brief, minister 
stick to your pulpit (and don't go off talking at commence- 
ments !) firemen, if you please, one locomotive at a time ; 
navigator, one ship at a time ; professor, one department, one 
profession, one occupation. Harper at books, Rothschild at 
banking, Irving at writing, Forrest at acting, Brunei at engi- 
neering, Ross at navigation, Punch at joking. {Applause}) 

Sometimes a man is prepared by Providence, through a 
variety of occupations, for some great mission. Hugh Miller, 
the master of Geology, climbed up to his great work from the 
quarries of Cromarty. Sometimes a man gets prepared for his 
work through sheer trouble. A man will go through misfor- 
tune after misfortune, persecution after persecution, trial after 
trial, loss after loss ; and then he is ready to graduate at the 
University of Hard-Knocks. 

Now the old poets used to say that if a man slept on 
Mount Parnassus he got inspiration. Well, that is absurd. 
That is not the way a man gets inspiration. It is not a man 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 121 

on the mountain, but the mountain on the man, and the effort 
to throw it off that brings him into the position for which God 
intended him. But generally by the time thirty years of age 
have been reached, the profession or occupation is decided, 
and there will be success in that direction, if it be well followed. 

It does not make much difference what you do, so far as 
success is concerned, if you only do it. Brandreth made a 
fortune at making pills ; Adams, by expressing ; Cooper, by 
manufacturing glue ; Van Ness, by making harness ; Genin, 
by selling hats ; contractors, by manufacturing shoddy ; mer- 
chants, by putting sand in sugar, and beet juice in vinegar, 
and glucose in beer, and lard in butter. One of the costliest 
dwellings in this country was built out of eggs. Palaces have 
been built out of spools, out of hides, out of books, out of 
pickles, out of tooth brushes, out of hose, h-o-e-s as well as 
h-o-s-e, out of fine tooth combs, out of pomade, out of pens, 
out of shawls, out of steel, out of thunder and lightning. 
The difference between conditions in life is not so much a 
difference in the fruitfulness of occupation, as it is a difference 
in the endowment of men with that great attribute of stick-to- 
itiveness. 

Mr. Plod-On was doing a nourishing business in selling 
bantams, but he wanted to do all kinds of huckstering. His 
nice little property took the wings of the ducks and drakes 
and shanghais and flew away. 

Mr. Loom-Driver had an excellent factory on the Merri- 
mac, and he made beautiful carpets ; but he wanted to build 
another, a grander factory, to make shawls. One day there 
was a nice little quarrel between the two factories, and the 
carpets ate up the shawls, and the shawls ate up the carpets, 
and, having succeeded in doing so well at swallowing each 
other, they came around and gulped down Mr. Loom-Driver. 

Blackstone-Large-Practice was the best lawyer in town. 
He could make the most plausible argument, had the largest 
retainers, was a lion at the bar; and young men of the pro- 
fession were proud to wear their hair just as he did, and have 



122 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

just as big a shirt collar. But he concluded to go into politics. 
He entered what politicians call a caucus ; he was voted up and 
voted down; he came within three votes of getting the nomina- 
tion ; he never got any nearer than three votes. He got on to the 
Chicago platform, but the plank broke and he slipped through. 
He got on the Baltimore platform, the plank broke, he slipped 
through. 

Then as a circus rider, with one foot on each horse 
going around the ring, one foot on the Chicago platform and 
the other on the Baltimore platform, he slipped between ; and 
disgusted with politics, he came back to his law office as an 
inebriate covered with mire ; all the briefs from the pigeon- 
holes rustled with gladness, Kent's Commentaries and Living- 
ston's Law Register broke forth in the exclamation, " Welcome 
home, Hon. Blackstone-Large- Practice, Jack-of-all-trades is 
master of none ! " 

Dr. Bone-Setter was master of the healing profession. 
No man was more welcome in everybody's house than this 
same Dr. Bone-Setter. They loved to see him pass by ; there 
was in his old gig any amount of religious rattle. When he 
entered the drug store all the medicines knew him, and the 
pills would toss about like a rattle box, and the quinine would 
shake as if it had the chills, and the great strengthening- 
plasters unrolled, and the soda fountain fizzed, as much as to 
say, " Will you take vanilla or strawberry ? " Riding along in 
his gig one day he fell into a thoughtful mood, and he con- 
cluded to enter the ministry. He mounted the pulpit, and the 
pulpit mounted him ; and it was a long while before it was 
known who was master. Now, the young people said his 
preaching was dry, and the merchants could not help making 
financial calculations in the back part of the psalm book. 
Everything went wrong. Well, one Monday morning Messrs. 
Plod-On, Loom-Driver, Blackstone- Large-Practice, and Dr. 
Bone-Setter met at a corner of the street ; and all felt so low 
spirited that one of them proposed to sing a song for the pur- 
pose of getting their spirits up. I have forgotten all but the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 23 

chorus ; and you would have been amused how, taking all the 
verses, the voices at the last line came in, " Jack-of-all-trades 
is master of none." 

A man came from New England to be President of the 
United States. Some one asked a farmer from that region 
what kind of a president Mr. So-and-So would make. " Well," 
said the farmer, " Mr. So-and-So is a good deal of a man in 
our little town ; but I think if you spread him all over the 
United States he will be mighty thin." And there are some 
men who do admirably in one occupation or profession, but, 
generally, Avhen they spread themselves out over half-a-dozen 
things they are dead failures. Make up your mind what you 
have to do in the world ; concenter all your energies in that 
one direction, and you will have large success. Concenter all 
the energies of mind and soul. Be not afraid to be called a 
person of one idea. Better have one great idea than five hun- 
dred little bits of ones. 

Are you merchants ? You will find abundant scope for 
your energies in a business which absorbed the ability and 
intellect of a Lennox or a Grinnell. 

Are you lawyers ? You will find in your grand profession 
heights and depths which taxed a Marshall, a MacLean, a 
Kent and a Story. 

Are you physicians ? You can afford but little time out- 
side of the profession which was the pride of a Rush, a Harvey, 
a Cooper and a Sydenham. 

Every man is made to fit into some one occupation, just 
as a tune is made to fit a metre. 

Now, you know what bad work it makes in church when 
the parson gets a tune that does not fit the metre. I have 
heard of such a disaster in church where the last word in the 
church hymn was Jacob. It would not fit the tune. The 
chorister finally hit upon this device, and sung it in this way: 
"Ja — a — a- fiddle de — de — de — cob." {Applause}} You see 
the trouble was the tune did not fit the metre. Now there are 
some men who bear about that relation to their occupation 



124 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

they don't fit the metre; in other words they do not fit at all; 
their whole life is a failure. 

Make up your minds what to do, and concenter your 
energies on that, and you will succeed. Make it your life- 
work. Get a call from the Eternal God. Talk about ministers 
getting a call from the Throne of God to preach. So they 
must. Every. man gets his call directly from the Throne of 
of the Eternal God to do some one thing. A call written in 
the physical man, or in the spiritual or physical condition. 
Remember, out of the fourteen hundred millions of the race, 
there is not another person who can do your work. You do 
your work, it is done forever ; you neglect your work, it is 
neglected forever. Though your call appears the most insig- 
nificant mission, it is a grand mission. God sends no one on 
a fool's errand. The most insignificant mission is magnificent. 

Get your call, then, directly from the throne of the Eternal 
God. Remember, no one else can do your work ; and then 
gather all your faculties, all your opportunities, and you will 
be surprised how many there are of them — a whole army. 
Gather them into companies, into regiments, into battalions, 
into brigades ; and then ride along the line, and give the com- 
mand — " Forward, March I " There is no power on earth or 
in hell that can stand before you. A man, I don't care what 
his mental calibre or his attainments, with all his energies of 
body and mind and soul concentered in one direction, is a 
tremendous man. 

Then I want to counsel you — I suppose it is hardly nec- 
essary that I do so, as I look into your faces it seems to me 
hardly necessary — always to keep your temper. [Applause) 

Let two persons start out in the world ; let them be of 
equal mental calibre; the one keeps his temper thoroughly 
under control, the other does not ; the one who is always able 
to keep his temper will come out the successful one. Good 
humor will sell the most goods, make the best garments, effect 
the best cure, preach the best sermon, build the best wall, 
weave the best carpet. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 25 

The poorest business firm in town is Growl, Spitfire & 
Brothers. They blow up their clerks, and insult their custom- 
ers ; they quarrel with their draymen ; they write impudent 
duns; they kick the beggars. The children all shy off as they 
pass along the street, and the dogs with a wild yelp clear the 
path as they come. They are acrid, suspicious, fretful, spiteful, 
cranky, saturnine. Suddenly the money market is astounded 
at the defalcation of Growl, Spitfire & Brothers. 

Merryman & Warmgrasp were two poor boys from the 
country. They brought all the possessions they had in the 
world in onejittle sack : a pair of socks, two collars and one 
old jack-knife, a paper of pins, and a hunk of ginger-bread, 
which their mother gave them when she kissed them good-bye 
and told them to be good boys and mind the boss. They 
smiled, and laughed, and bowed, and worked themselves up 
year after year in the estimation of their employers. They 
soon had a store of their own on the corner. They were 
obliging men, and people from the country left their carpet- 
bags in that store when they came to town. Henceforth, 
when the farmers wanted hardware, clothing or drugs they 
went to buy them at that place where their carpet-bags had 
bQQn treated so kindly. They had a way of holding up a yard 
of cloth and making it shine so that plain cassimere would 
look almost as good as French broadcloth, and a common 
earthen pitcher would glisten like porcelain. They had the 
force to grapple with anything. Money-drawer, counting- 
desk, counter, shelves, all full of good temper. They rose in 
society, until to-day Merryman & Warmgrasp have one of the 
largest stores, most elegant show-windows, the finest carriages, 
and the prettiest wives in all the town of Shuttleford. 

A melancholy musician may compose the best dead 
march ; but he will not master the battle march, or, with 
that grand old instrument, the organ, storm the castles of 
the soul as with flying artillery with light and love and joy, 
until the organ pipes seem filled with thousands of clapping 
hosannas. 



126 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

A melancholy poet may write a Dante's Inferno, but he 
cannot catch the chime of Moore's Melodies, or the roll of 
Pope's Dunciad, or the trumpet-call of Scott's Don Roderick, 
or the archangelic movement of Milton's Paradise Lost. 

A melancholy painter may with Salvator, sketch death 
and gloom and monstrosity, but he cannot catch the tremor 
of the silver leaf or shining sun from the mountain pine, or 
light of morning as it spreads life over the valley, or the rising 
sun leaping on the flaring battlements with banners aflame 
o'er the gorgeous heart of the Andes, as though the bright 
colors of heaven and earth had fought a battle and left their 
blood on the leaves ! The whole world is full of music, and 
the man who can sing and won't sing, ought to be sent to 
Sing Sing. {Applause.) 

Another word of advice, a word to young men : Never get 
discouraged by bad treatment from other people. Just as soon 
as you succeed as a merchant in any line, the world will be 
after you. You must be persecuted and tried; just in propor- 
tion as you get on in the world, it will try to draw you back. 
That is the history of the world. Don't get discouraged. 
Don't take that for a sign that you are going to fail ; take that 
as a sign that God is on your side, and you are going to succeed. 

It is a recognized idea that gossip is the chief character- 
istic of woman. That is wrong. While I would not be re- 
sponsible for all that is said by the women of creation, neither 
would I like to be responsible for all that is said at the meeting 
of bank-directors, boards-of-trade, at the grocery-stores, or in 
smoking-rooms on a cold winter's night, with the howling 
blast outside and a nice fire within, inducing men to great 
sociability and confidence, Alas ! under such circumstances, 
what post-mortems are made of character. What skilful 
flourishes are made with the dissecting-knife ; how soon the 
fairest reputations are scattered and sent to the winds. Spread 
some pretty dish of tittle-tattle, place it before these people, 
how eager they are to circulate slander ; how they struggle 
with one another to fish out some morsel, and how heads fall 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 127 

off, one after another, as the guillotine, hour after hour, goes 
chop ! chop ! chop ! A great flock of crows hovering over one 
carcass. " Say, did you hear that Mr. Well-To-Do is embar- 
rassed in business ? " " No ; but I am not surprised, for I saw 
him down among the note-shavers, yesterday afternoon ; it 
made me think he was hard-up." " Well," says another, 
" that explains a protest I saw lying on his office-desk a few 
days ago." "Well," says another, "he has been living far 
beyond his means." " Alas ! " says another, " this comes from 
dressing his family so extravagantly, sending his children off 
to school. His children are no better than anybody else's 
children. Good for nothing." " There," says another, " I'll 
just make a note of this ; I will tell my friend from whom he 
to-day borrowed money, that he had better look out." 
" Well," says another, u I will go to the bank to-morrow 
morning and tell them how matters stand." 

One fine morning Mr. Well-To-Do says, " Thank God ! 
I now see my way clear, and in six months I'll have business 
matters all straight, and no man shall lose a cent by me. If I 
can only be let alone." 

[The speaker raps on the desk.] Loud raps are heard 
against the office door. " Sir, the banker sent me to say he 
must see you immediately." Another rap. " Sir, Mr. Money- 
Lender sends me to say he must have that money to-day, or 
he will take some other steps to get it." 

Go home, Well-to-Do, tell your wife you are a bankrupt, 
the house must be sold ; the children must come home from 
school. What's the matter ? Nothing ; only some Christian 
gentlemen one night felt it to be their Christian duty to look 
after the business of Well-To-Do. You talk of gossip as 
something light, feathery ; more than once it has rocked down 
a city ; tornado-like, has swept to sea, and dismantled hun- 
dreds of merchantmen ; reeking with venom, with forked 
fingers pointed at everything good, it uncoils his head and 
stands on end in the market place and the social gathering, 
with fiendish h-i-s-s-e-s. 



128 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

I don't know how it is in this region, but in the region 
where I live there are hundreds of young men in stores in 
which there is a wrong system of commercial ethics. There 
are in this country hundreds of thousands of young men going 
down under that treatment. I want to warn young men against 
that influence. 

Here is a young man, he stands in a store, his cheek in 
ruddy with the breath of the hills. He is selling goods, he 
has not yet been tempted to deceive, he commends the goods 
in gentlemanly style, the customer is pleased and will come 
again. But he is in a store where there is a bad system of 
ethics. He has been in there three years. Now he says, 
" These are the best goods in town — " they have better on the 
next shelf. " Now, these are real French goods — " they put 
on that label themselves. " These goods will wash — " yes, 
they will wash out. And he goes down in morals, down, down, 
down ! until after a while he is appointed to take merchants 
who come to the city and show them the sights of the town, 
show them the lions and the elephants ; that is his business 
now, he is appointed to that. I don't know how it is here in 
Philadelphia ; I know in the region where I live there are 
merchants who carry on their business in that way. There 
are thousands of young men in these stores whose business 
it is to take strangers coming to the city, to see "the sights of 
the town. Some morning this particular young man whose 
business it is to do this will turn up before his employer a 
little dilapidated in his appearance, and he will say to him, 
" Now, just look at yourself, what a specimen you are ! How 
much do we owe you ?" " Fifty cents." " Here it is. Now, 
get out." They took the lustre out of his eye, the color out 
of his cheek, and the honor out of his soul; then they kicked 
him into perdition. 

Ah ! young man, if you ever find yourself in the midst 
of such associations, come out from them. You say, " It is 
easy to say that, but it is not so easy to get another place." 
I want to tell you of a young man in the city of Boston 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 29 

selling cloths. He is accosted by a stranger : " Is that brand 
of cloth Middlesex ? I want Middlesex cloth." " We have no 
Middlesex cloth. We have cloths just as good." " I want 
Middlesex, I don't want any other." So he departed. The 
head of the firm came to the young man, having seen the 
interview. " What does that man want ?" " He wants Mid- 
dlesex cloth." "Why didn't you tell him it was Middlesex?" 
11 Because it is not." " You can take up your hat and get 
out." He took his hat and got out, and went to the far West, 
rose in fortune until he had ten times as much money as the 
man in Boston ever had, came to the front rank in Church 
and State. I tell you, my young friends, believe me, it will 
be found out that it is always safe to do right. It is never 
safe to do wrong. There will a day come — I don't know just 
when it will come — when, in the presence of the assembled 
universe it will be found out whether or not it was Middlesex 
cloth. {Applause}) 

You cannot hide a dishonest dollar. You take a dis- 
honest dollar and bury it clean down in the deepest part of the 
earth, it will not stay there. You may roll on it rocks and 
mountain boulders, you may attempt to put that dishonest 
dollar down in the centre of the earth ; it will not stay there. 
No ! it will begin to rock and heave and upturn itself, until it 
comes to the resurrection of damnation. {Applause}) You 
cannot hide a dishonest dollar. 

Another thing I want to guard you against, my friends : 
don't give up your life to amusement. Don't make up your 
mind that your business in this world is chiefly to find sport 
and recreation. Just as soon as a man starts with that idea 
he is on the way to ruin. 

I don't say anything against amusement ; we could not 
live without it. The tree that has no blossoms in the spring 
will bear no apples in the fall. But what I do say is, excess 
of amusement has ruined hundreds and thousands of people. 

A good game of ball is great sport; perhaps some of you 
go out on the commons and play ball. The day is clear, the 



I30 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

ground is just right for fast running; the clubs will both be 
there, take off their coats and put on their caps. The ball is 
round and hard and stuffed with illimitable bounce. Get ready 
the bat; give it to us — too low — too high — don't strike — here it 
comes, just like lightning — strike away — it soars higher, higher 
— run — another base — faster, faster! — go all around. All hail 
the man or big boy who invented ball playing ! (Applause') 

After tea, open up the checker-board. Now, look out, 
your Bob will beat you. With what masterly skill he moves 
up his kings. Look out, now he will jump yo-u ; sure enough, 
two of your men gone from the board. What! Good for 
Bob; with what skill he sweeps the board. What! only two 
more men left. Be careful — only one more move. Pop's 
cornered sure as fate, and Bob bends over and looks him in 
the face, with most provoking banter, and says, " Pop, why 
don't you move ? " 

Call Blanche, Tray, and Sweetheart ; it will be a good day 
in the woods; get ready ; shoulder your gun. Away to the 
hills and woods; boys, don't make such a racket, you will 
scare the game; there's a rabbit — take good aim — Bang! 
Missed him — let the dogs go ; sick him ; sick him ; see the 
fur fly ; they have him. Here, Tray. 

John, get the bays ready. All right, see how the buckles 
glisten and how the horses prance and the spokes flash in the 
sun. Now, open the gate. Away we go ! Let the gravel 
fly, and the tire rattle over the pavement, and the horses' 
hoofs clatter and ring. Good roads ; now let them fly, crack 
the whip, ge-lang ! Nimble horses on smooth roads, on a 
pleasant day, and no dull cares — clatter — clatter ! (Laughter 
and applause) 

I never see a man go out with a fishing-rod for sport but 
I silently say, May he have a good day ; may he have the 
right kind of bait and return with a basketful of fine catfish 
and flounders. 

I never see an individual taking a pleasant ride, but what 
I say to myself, May the horse not go lame, nor the trace 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. I3I 

break ; and may the horse's thirst not compel him to stop at 
too many taverns. 

In a world where God lets his lambs frisk, and his trees 
toss, and his brooks leap, and his stars twinkle, and his 
flowers make love to each other, I know he intended man to 
laugh and sing and sport. The whole world is full of music; 
silence itself is only music asleep. Out with the fashion that 
will let a man smile, but pronounces him vulgar if he ha-ha's. 
Out with a style of Christianity that would make a man's 
face a counter on which to measure Christianity by the yard. 
(Appla?ise) " All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," 
is as true as preaching, and more true than some preaching. 
(Laughter and applause) 

" Better wear out than rust out," is a poor maxim, you 
have no more right to do the one than the other. They are 
both sinful. But while you must remember that recreation is 
re-creation, while all this is so, every thinking person will 
acknowledge that too much devotion to amusement is ruin- 
ous. Many of the clergy of the last century lost their theology 
in a fox-chase. Many a splendid business man has had his 
business kicked out by fast horses. Many a man has smoked 
up his prospects in Havanas of the best brands. (Laughter) 
There are battles in life that cannot be fought with a sports- 
man's gun. There are things to be caught that you cannot 
catch with fishing tackle. Of course, after all, amusement and 
recreation in life are desirable, we must have them as far as 
they are innocent, but they are not the true work of life. 
They are only the jingling bells, while the horses draw the 
load. Through excessive amusements many clergymen, law- 
yers, merchants, physicians, mechanics, make the big mistake 
of all their life. Young men, have some earnest work in life. 
Take your amusement and all your play merely to help you 
on with your grand work. 

I offer this as a principle : those amusements are harm- 
less which do not interfere with home duties and enjoyments ; 
those are ruinous which give one a distaste for domestic 



132 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

pleasure and recreation. When a man likes any place on earth 
better than his own home, look out. Yet how many men there 
are who have no appreciation of what a home is. It is only 
a little while ago that the twain stood at the altar and prom- 
ised fidelity until death do them part. Now he is staggering 
along the road at night towards his own home. On the face 
inside the door I see shadows of sorrows to come. What do 
I see coming along the road to that place where he was 
ruined ? She opens the door and looks in, swings out a shriv- 
eled arm from under a faded shawl, and with almost heart- 
rending eloquence cries : " Give him back to me, with his 
noble brow and his great heart ; give him back to me !" The 
poor wretches are seated around the restaurant table. One of 
them will come forward and, with a bloated hand wiping the 
intoxicant from his lip, will say, " Put 'er out." Then in the 
night-time she will go out on the abutment of the bridge and 
look at the river flushed with the moonlight, and woader if 
somewhere under the glittering surface of that river, if some- 
where, away down under that surface, there is not a place for 
a broken heart. Woe to that man who slights and destroys his 
home. I offer home as a preventive, as an inspiration, and as 
a restraint. Falling off from that, beware. Home ! It is a 
charmed word. Through that one syllable thrills untold 
melody, and the laughter of children. The sound of well- 
known footsteps and the voices of undying affection. Home ! 
I hear in that word the ripple of muddy brooks, in which, 
knee-deep we waded ; the lowing of cattle coming up from 
the pasture, the sharp hiss of the scythe amid the thick grass, 
the breaking of the hay-rick where we trampled down the load. 

Home ! Upon that word there drops the sunshine of 
beauty and the shadow of tender sorrows, and the reflection 
of ten thousand voices and fond memories. 

Home ! When I see that word in a book or newspaper, 
the word seems to rise and sparkle and leap and thrill and 
whisper and chant and pray and weep. It glitters like a dia- 
mond; it springs up like a fountain; it trills like a singing-bird;, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 33 

it twinkles like a star; it leaps like a flame; it glows like a 
sunset; it sings like an angel. And if some lexicographer, 
urged on by the spirit of evil, should seek to cast forth that 
word from the language, the children would come forth and 
hide it in the grass and wild flowers, and the wealthy would 
go forth and cover it with their diamonds and pearls, and kings 
would hide it under their crowns; and after Herod had hunted 
its life from Bethlehem to Egypt, and utterly given up the 
search, some bright, warm day it would flash from among the 
gems, and breathe from among the flowers, and shine from 
among the coronets; and the world would read it, bright and 
fair and beautiful and resonant as before. Home ! Home ! 
Home ! 

At this time I want to charge these young men and young 
women who are now going out into life, to have the spirit of 
enthusiasm and enterprise. This is no age for the laggard. 
No age for those who have no spirit of enterprise. Where 
now is the old stage-coach, hanging on its leather suspenders? 
Spring and bounce, spring and bounce. How she creaks and 
swings ! Now she is fast in the mud ; all out, heave ho ! Now 
we fly without wings, and run sitting still. A man went all 
the way from New York to Buffalo in the express train, and 
he said in the whole distance he saw but two objects — two hay- 
stacks, and they were going the other way. 

Small particles are taken from the mine and melted into 
liquid, and run out into bars, and cut up into steel. The walk- 
ing-beam begins to work, the wheels to paddle, and the steam- 
boat begins to go; it crosses the Atlantic, making it a ferry 
and all the world one neighborhood. 

In olden times, you remember it well, or I remember it 
well, when we put out fire by buckets of water; or rather, did 
not put it out. Now we put out the fire by steam. There is 
a cry in the street: Fire ! fire ! The cry of the firemen. Here 
they come to the front of the building with their hose and 
ladders. They run up the ladders. The order is given to the 
engines to put out the flames. The hooks come up with their 



134 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

long arms and fingers of iron, and fall on the top of the heated 
walls; the firemen all pull; she moves; she falls as flat as the 
walls of Jericho at the blast of the rams' horns; the excited 
populace clap their hands and wave their caps. Hurrah! 
Hurrah ! 

What will a man do in an age like this, if in every nerve 
and muscle and bone he do not have the spirit of enthusiasm 
and enterprise ? He will drop down ; he cannot do anything 
as he ought to ; he cannot swim in the current ; he will 
drown. 

Then do what you have to do ; concenter all your ener- 
gies in the direction of your call from God. Then go ahead. 
A grand success for every one of you. I expect it. 

The greatest time in one's life is when one graduates. 
It seems to me I never saw any day equal to the day I grad- 
uated. I shall never see any such day as that, it seems to me ; 
it was so light, so beautiful. While this occasion to us is one 
of great pleasure and congratulation, it is a time you will 
never forget. Put you trust in God. Aim high. 

" Though thy path be dark as night, 

There is a star to guide the humble ; 
Trust in God and do the right. 

Some will love thee, some will hate thee, 
Some will flatter, some will slight ; 

Cease from men and look above thee ; 
Trust in God and do the right." 

{Loud and long-continued applause)) 



Annual G 



NNUAL GRADUATING CXERCISES 



Peine School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 



PHILADELPHIA, PA., 



Thursday Evening, June 18, 1885, 



AT 7.45 O'CLOCK. 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTIETH SCHOOL YEAR. 



-^- PROGRAMME 



Thursday K Vening, /June 18, 1883 

MUSIG BY THE 

Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.43 O'CLOCK, 

O, rvl. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 



OVERTURE— "Stradella," Flotow 

SELECTION— "Falka," Chassaigne 

MARCH—" Somerset," Wiegand 

FACULTY, GRADUATES AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. GEORGE DANA BOARDMAN, D. D. 
WALTZ — " Sweet Smiles" . . . . , Waldteufel 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 

GEORGE H. STUART, 

President Merchants' National Bank. 

SELECTION— "Prince Methusalem," Strauss 

Annual Address, Prof. CHARLES J. LITTLE, Ph. D., LL. D. 

of Dickinson College. 

OVERTURE— "Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna]' Suppe 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 
GAVOTTE—" Stephanie]' Czibulka 

Address to the Graduates, JOHN B. GOUGH. 
SELECTION— "Mignon," Thomas 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 

GALOP— "On the Sands," Puerner 

■* PIN7SLEK" 



List of QpaduatQs, ©lass of '85. 



Alduncin, Peter Cuba. 

Barnard, Remsen Cross Delaware. 

Beckett, George McClellan New Jersey. 

Bell, James Matthew Pennsylvania. 

Boys, Lewis Pennsylvania. 

Branin, John Walter Pennsylvania. 

Butterworth, George Pennsylvania. 

Caldwell, Martha Pennsylvania. 

Caldwell, William George Pennsylvania. 

Coolbaugh, William Cuthbert Pennsylvania. 

Dickson, John Taxis Pennsylvania. 

Donough, Edgar Shaeffer Pennsylvania. 

Downing, Walter Alvord Pennsylvania. 

Esslinger, Frank Pennsylvania. 

Finkenauer, Emma Pennsylvania. 

Fowler, Elmer Ellsworth Pennsylvania. 

Gengenbach, Albert Bismarck Pennsylvania. 

Centner. Henry August Pennsylvania. 

Gilbert, John Travis Pennsylvania. 

Gold, Harvey Weinla^d Pennsylvania. 

Gregg, James Brison Pennsylvania. 

Gregg, U. S. Grant Pennsylvania. 

Haines, William Rodgers New Jersey. 

Hanna, James Edgar Pennsylvania. 

Harper, William Warner Pennsylvania. 

Heider, Mary Pennsylvania. 

Heppe, Ella Caroline Pennsylvania. 

Hoffman, Clarence Pitman New Jersey. 

Hughes, Daniel Pennsylvania. 

Hughes, Daniel Webster Pennsylvania. 

Hunt, James Ash Pennsylvania. 

Jackson, John Pennsylvania. 

Jessup, West, Jr New Jersey. 

Kay, Charles Walter Pennsylvania. 

Knox, Anna Baird Pennsylvania. 

Lancaster, Asa Nudd Maine. 

Levering, James Walter Pennsylvania. 

Lewallen, Florence Bingham New Jersey. 



I38 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Little, Harry McDowell New Jersey. 

Lobb, Comly Shoemaker Lukens Pennsylvania. 

Lukens, John Shaffner Pennsylvania. 

McCaulley, Graeff Weston Pennsylvania. 

McFillin, William Hennessy Pennsylvania. 

McIntyre, William Young Pennsylvania. 

McNeill, John Alexander Pennsylvania. 

MacFarland, William James Pennsylvania. 

Moore, JamesJohn, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Myers, Harry Max Pennsylvania. 

Nicholas, John Ivins Pennsylvania. 

Nolan, Michael Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Patterson, Frank Pennsylvania. 

Rayner, Edward Richard Texas. 

Riebel, Samuel Allen „ Pennsylvania. 

Sadler, Charles Albert . . , Pennsylvania. 

Schmidt, Charles Edward Pennsylvania. 

Schmidt, John George, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Seifert, Harry Gustav Pennsylvania. 

Sheriff, Mary Pennsylvania. 

Shetzline, Charles Henry Pennsylvania. 

Shibe, Thomas Stevenson Pennsylvania. 

Shore, Washington Irving Pennsylvania. 

Sloan, John Francis Pennsylvania. 

Smith, Walter Pennsylvania. 

Starkey, William Harper, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Steel, Phillip Super . Pennsylvania. 

Vollum, Robert Boone Pennsylvania. 

Williams, Howard Hallowell Pennsylvania. 

Wilmerton, William Nyce Pennsylvania. 

Young, William Pennypacker Pennsylvania. 

Zierdt, Henry George Pennsylvania. 

Total, Seventy. 



(Soorgo Hay Stuart. 



Merchant, philanthropist, president of International Young Men's 
Christian Association, president of United States Christian Commission 
during the war, officer in several religious societies. 

He was born April 2, 18 16, in Ireland, and resided in Philadelphia 
from 1 83 1 until his death, April 11, 1890. 

He was a devout, earnest and benevolent Christian orator and 
worker, as well as a merchant of great enterprise and success. His con- 
tributions to foreign missions and to charitable objects were munificent. 
He was president of the Presbyterian National Convention in 1867, and 
was for many years an officer in the American Sunday-School Union, 
the American Bible Society and the American Tract Society. 

Mr. Stuart was president of the United States Christian Commis- 
sion during the war, and did noble work for our wounded and sick 
soldiers. 

As president of the International Convention of Young Men's 
Christian Associations held in Troy, 1859, ne i s remembered and beloved 
from Behring Sea to the Gulf of Mexico, from Maine to Texas, in the 
islands of the oceans and all over Europe. His earnestness and zeal 
were inspiring to any audience he addressed. He was a " liberal soul," 
his hand was ever open and his heart embraced the universe. 

Victor Hugo wrote of George Peabody : — 

"On this earth there are men of hate and men of love; Peabody 
was one of the latter. It is on the face of these men that we can see the 
smile of God. What law do they practice ? One, alone ; the law of 
fraternity — divine law, human law — which here gives precepts and there 
gives millions, and traces through the centuries in our darkness a train 
of light that extends from Jesus poor to Peabody wealthy." All of 
which, and more, may be said of George H. Stuart. N. H. 



JPpofatopy F^orqapJ^s 
J^Lr. (joopgo ti. Stuart. 



The first and proper act in the order of exercises will be 
to ask the blessing of God upon our meeting and upon this 
institution. I shall, therefore, call our friend and brother, the 
Rev. Dr. George Dana Boardman, to offer prayer to God for 
His blessing to attend our meeting this evening ; but before 
Dr. Boardman asks us to unite with him in prayer, I hope it 
will not be considered out of place if I ask you to unite with 
me in earnest prayer to God for the life of the nation's patient, 
General Ulysses S. Grant, whose condition, according to all 
accounts to-day, although they vary somewhat, is, to say the 
least of it, very precarious. Let us hope and pray that God 
may lengthen his life for many days to come, but, if not so 
ordered in Divine Providence, that he may have that prepara- 
tion which alone fits all for appearing before the judgment-seat 
of Christ. 



]Biogpapl^i©al Sl^ot©!} 

Goopgo Darja JSocirdrqar\. 



Doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, biblical lecturer, president of the 
Baptist Missionary Union, one of the most finished scholars in this city, 
eminent author, etc. 

He is the son of Rev. George Dana Boardman, whose father was 
also a clergyman. He is the step-son of Rev. Adoniram Judson, D. D. 
Rev. Dr. Boardman was born in Tavoy, in the kingdom of Burmah, 
August 1 8, 1828, and at six years of age he embarked for America and 
journeyed the entire distance alone. During the voyage, which lasted 
nine months, he was subjected to severe hardship and ill treatment, and 
was nearly captured by Malay pirates when in a small boat off Singapore. 
But the young and enfeebled life was graciously spared for a career of 
remarkable vigor and usefulness. He was baptized, while yet a lad (13), 
by Dr. William Lamson, at Thomaston, Me, ; entered Brown University 
(R. I.) in 1846; became disheartened during his sophomore year and 
spent two years in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri reading and practicing 
law and engaged in mercantile pursuits. 

He subsequently re-entered Brown University and graduated in 
1852; he then entered Newton (Mass.) Theological Seminary and 
graduated in 1855. In consequence of pulmonary trouble he settled at 
Barnwell Court-House, S. C, where he was ordained in December, 1855. 
Here he remained but five months, leaving the South on account of his 
anti-slavery convictions ; then pastor of the Second Baptist Church at 
Rochester for eight years; and in May, 1864, he became pastor of the 
First Church at Philadelphia, Pa., which he still serves (1893), esteemed, 
honored and beloved. He has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and 
Africa during these twenty-nine years. 

His published works are widely read, and his lectures on the books 
of the Old and New Testament attracted immense audiences to hear and 
learn from this reverend, courteous and scholarly gentleman. (See 
Baptist Encyclopedia). 



142 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Dr. Boardman is a frequent Commencement orator; trustee of the 
University of Pennsylvania ; overseer of the Columbian University, 
Washington, D. C. ; manager of numerous institutions, local and national ; . 
ex-president of the American Baptist Missionary Union, the Christian 
Arbitration and Peace Society, the New England Society of Pennsyl- 
vania, etc., specially devoting "himself to the interests of university 
education, arbitration, peace and the unification of Christendom ; pro- 
jector of the American Christian (non-sectarian) University at Wash- 
ington ; delegate to the World's Peace Congress at London, England ; 
speaker at the World's Christian Congress, at Florence, Italy ; author 
of " Studies in the Creative Week," " The Model Prayer," " Epiphanies 
of the Risen Lord," "The Mountain Instruction," "The Divine Man," 
" University Lectures on the Ten Commandments," " The Problem of 
Jesus," numerous pamphlets, magazine articles, etc. He delivered before 
his people a series of weekly lectures on the Bible, from Genesis to 
Revelation, numbering nine hundred and thirty-one studies, which, if 
published, would make some sixty-four duodecimo volumes, etc., etc., etc. 

N. H. 



F\oV, (joopgo Daqa Boapdniari, 
E).1D., Lb. ID. 



Almighty and Eternal God, Maker of heaven and earth, 
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords : we adore Thee for what 
Thou art in Thyself, a God infinite in every conceivable per- 
fection. We adore Thee for what Thou art in Thy relations 
to the children of men — a God full of compassion and gracious, 
slow to anger- and plenteous in mercy and truth. 

Gathered in Thy good providence to celebrate another of 
our anniversaries, we desire, first of all, to thank Thee for the 
signal prosperity which has attended us through the year ; for 
the general health which has prevailed in our institution ; for 
all the good instructions and counsels and hints given by these 
honored -teachers ; for all our innocent joys ; and especially 
for all our spiritual opportunities. All these blessings have 
descended from Thee, Father of mercies and God of all grace : 
and therefore unto Thee, Thou Giver of every good and perfect 
gift, do we now return our most hearty thanksgiving. 

And now, as we stand on the boundary between the year 
that has gone and the year that is to come, we invoke Thy 
blessing, Almighty Father, on these Thy servants, the Princi- 
pal and Faculty of this institution. May they ever teach in 
the spirit of Him, who, as being Himself the way and the 
truth and the life, was the Teacher of teachers. We commend 
unto Thee these Thy young servants, about to enter on their 
vacation ; be pleased to care for their bodies and for their 



144 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

souls, and to bring them back to us in health and peace. And 
now we invoke Thy special blessing on these our friends who 
are about to receive their diplomas, going forth from their 
peaceful studies into the stern realities of life, to bear its grave 
responsibilities and encounter its fierce temptations ; may it 
please Thee to direct all their steps, giving them wisdom in 
their perplexities, patience in their trials, courage in their 
perils, and victory in their temptations ; let not one of them 
fail of the grace of eternal life. 

Almighty God, may Thy blessing rest on all similar insti- 
tutions. We pray for our city; we pray for our Common- 
wealth ; we pray for our National Union. Behold with favor 
Thy servant, the President of the United States, and all who 
are joined with him in authority, whether Congressional, 
Judicial, or Executive. And at this hour, when our affections 
and sympathies and reverence cluster about the hero who, by 
Thy grace, saved our nation from dismemberment, we fer- 
vently pray Thee that Thou wilt still grant him. patience and 
courage under his distressing malady ; if it may please Thee, 
spare his life ; if Thou hast determined to take him from earth, 
may his exit be in the peace of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our 
Lord. May the consolations of Thy grace rest upon all 
invalids, however obscure their sufferings. May each of us 
be ready for Thy summons heavenward. 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly 
above all that we ask or think, according to the power that 
worketh in us, unto Him be the glory in the Church and 
in Christ Jesus unto all generations forever and ever. Amen. 



IqtpoduotoPL] F^orr\apl^s 

EV THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Groopgo H. 8tuapt, 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — This Peirce College of Busi- 
ness has won for itself a name of which every Philadelphian 
should be proud. I for one, as an old merchant and banker, 
now feel proud of its success in preparing young men to enter 
our counting-rooms and banking institutions. When a young 
man comes to me and says, " I am out of a situation," the first 
thing I do is to put a few questions in arithmetic to him, and 
if he cannot answer them I say, " My friend, I am sorry there 
is no place for you. You are walking about, getting into evil 
practices. Go on a farm or go West," as Mr. Greeley said. 
But when a young man comes from this institution I find he 
can divide and subtract and give you an immediate answer to 
almost any question you may put. 

This institution to-day has reached its twentieth anni- 
versary, and if we live until the next year we will see it reach 
its majority, and I hope you may all be here on that occasion. 
The Directors of the Academy of Music will have to add an 
annex to hold the audience, for when they put up this building 
they had no idea that the Peirce College of Business would 
hold its commencements here. Had they known that they 
would have provided more seating-room for the audience. 

But I am not to make a speech. My duty is rather to 
conduct the exercises. When I look this vast audience in the 
face I feel satisfied we have one of the greatest and best meet- 
ings Philadelphia has ever had in the Academy of Music. 



©lqaplos cJosoij]^ Littlo, 



Educator, master of arts, doctor of laws, doctor of philosophy, pro- 
fessor of Northwestern University, eminent preacher, lecturer and 
author. 

The ancestors of Rev. Charles J. Little, A. M., LL. D., Ph. D., 
came to this country in 1640, and he is of the eighth generation of a 
historic American family. His parents were Thomas Rowell Little, a 
native of Boston, Mass., and Ann Zimmerman, born in Philadelphia. 
On his father's side he is of Puritan stock ; and on his mother's, Swiss 
Reformed and German Lutheran. He was born in Philadelphia, Sep- 
tember 21, 1840, and early displayed the influence of heredity by talents 
that are only possessed where " a man's education begins hundreds of 
years before he is born." 

At eleven he passed the examination for the Philadelphia High 
School, but was rejected as too young. He was then coached by Doctor 
Roberton for the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated with the 
degree of A. M. in 1861. In 1882, he received Ph. D. from Indiana 
Asbury University, and LL. D. from Dickinson College in 1885. 

Having cast his lot with the M. E. Church, he prepared for its 
ministry, and served in various charges. He did heroic service during 
the War of Secession among the sick and wounded (after the battle of 
Antietam) until stricken with typhus fever that nearly cost his life. 
After being three years Professor of Mathematics in Dickinson Seminary, 
Williamsport, Pa., he went to Germany in 1870, where he spent two 
years (in Berlin) studying German philosophy and perfecting himself in 
the language. On his return he was in charge of Christ Church, West 
Philadelphia, then he became a Professor of Belles Lettres and History 
in Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., subsequently at Syracuse, Professor 
of History, and finally in Garrett Biblical Institute, Northwestern Uni- 
versity, Evanston, Illinois. 

Doctor Little had for several years been faithfully and satisfactorily 
filling a professorship in Dickinson College, during three years of which. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. \AJ 

term he served as State Librarian— 1882 till 1885 — for the State of Penn- 
sylvania, at Harrisburg, when the famous Christmas Conference of therep- 
resentativemenof Methodism was held in Baltimore in the winter of 1884. 
At that Conference, in which was gathered the learning and piety of ail 
branches of the Methodist family, there were three remarkable addresses 
delivered. One by Bishop Foster, the other by the old patriarch of the 
Methodist Church South, Doctor McFerran, and the third by Doctor 
Little, on the Pioneers of Methodism. This speech put him upon the 
front rank of platform celebrities of the day, and since that time he has 
been a favorite for great occasions. At the dedication of the Library 
Hall of Drew Theological Seminary he delivered an address upon 
libraries and books which challenges admiration for its comprehensive- 
ness and style. At the dedication of the Women's College of Baltimore, 
his oration on the education of women proved to be an exhaustive dis- 
cussion on that subject. At the graduating exercises of Peirce School in 
1885, he delivered an address on business education which ranks among 
the best on that subject. Later, at the dedication of the Krouse Build- 
ing, at Syracuse University, his oration on higher education commanded 
praise from the most scholarly. 

In addition to his class-room work, Doctor Little is at present 
engaged in writing a book on " Christian Theism and Modern Specula- 
tive Thought." He has already contributed largely to the secular and 
religious press, has been twice a member of the General Conferences of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was appointed by the Bishops, in 
connection with Bishop Warren, a fraternal messenger to the British and 
Irish Wesleyan Conferences in 1890. N. H. 



^qqual ;\dclpoScS 

F>pof. ©t^aplos J. Little, ;\. fA. t 
F% 3D., Lb. JDo 



Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen: — The mer- 
chant and the scholar, commerce and science, are old, old 
friends. From the days of Thales and Anaximander to the 
days of Faraday and Joseph Henry, the noble company of 
thinkers have poured the light of their discoveries upon the 
manifold and multiform activities of production and exchange. 

The early merchants traversed the seas and the early 
thinkers explored the sky. Arithmetic, geometry, geography, 
astronomy, were studied not for their sakes alone, but for the 
help they afforded to navigation and to trade — just as in our 
day the mysteries of electricity are a fascination for the most 
powerful minds, whilst their disclosure means the extension 
of our speech to the ends of the earth and the turning of 
darkness into day. 

If the industrial and commercial enterprise of mankind 
may be likened to the great sea — a vast complex of ceaseless 
motions, an endless conflict of restless and apparently lawless 
individualities, which are held, nevertheless, in the colossal 
grip of an adamantine rule mightier than that of fabled Nep- 
tune — then science may be likened to the overarching sky, out 
of whose blue depths pours the light which dances on every 
crested wave and whose stars neither fog nor storm nor cloud 
can obscure beyond a few short days. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 49 

As a humble member of the company of scholars, I 
rejoice, therefore, to greet you, sir, representing as you do the 
commerce of to-day, and the students of this College of Busi- 
ness, representing as they do the commerce of to-morrow. I 
rejoice to utter in your presence and theirs this sentiment — 
Commerce and Science. As in the beginning, so may they 
remain until the end of time — one and inseparable as the sea 
and the sky. 

But, sir, if commerce and the industrial arts owe much to 
science, science, on the other hand, owes quite as much to 
commerce and the arts. Schiller's brief but splendid tribute 
to the merchant is eternally true. The merchant is the servant 
of the gods; he sets forth in quest of his own gain, but he 
returns with all good things following in the wake of his ship, 
bringing back to his home not only the wares, but the skill, 
the knowledge, the discoveries, of other climes. Then, again, 
what the poet meant for reproach is the merchant's glory — 
" God made the country, but man made the town." The mer- 
chant is the builder of cities ; but the builder of cities is the 
creator of civilization, and without civilization there is neither 
literature nor science nor art. For whatever men may say of 
the almighty dollar and of its worship, generosity, like hope, 
springs eternal in the human breast, and every age has counted 
among the benefactors of science and the patrons of learning 
names made famous by commercial enterprise and business 
forecast. Our own age and country is by no means among 
the least. The name of Stephen Girard had a fascination for 
me in my boyhood equaled hardly by that of any other — not 
because of the great wealth which he had accumulated, but 
because of the purpose to which it was devoted; a purpose 
which not even the arguments of a Webster could defeat, and 
which to-day overlooks this great city — a perpetual benedic- 
tion more eloquent in its glistening silence than the mighty 
voice which was lifted to its destruction. 

Pennsylvania can be proud of her merchant-citizens — of 
her Packers, her Pardees, her Whartons, her Beavers; the 



I5O ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Republic can be proud of her Astors, her Peabodys, her Sla- 
ters, her Hopkinses, her Lennoxes — of the men who found 
libraries and endow universities, who out of the abundance of 
their wealth have made the future of American science full of 
the promise of power. 

One of the teachers of Martin Luther used to take off 
his hat to his scholars whenever he entered his school-room, 
explaining that he could not tell what possibilities were locked 
up in their minds* In the name of science and of learning, I 
make my obeisance to you, sir, and to these young aspirants 
for business fame and fortune. Here may be another Girard, 
another Peabody; the founder of a college, the builder of a 
public library, one who, having transmuted knowledge into 
gold, may finish with the nobler alchemy of transmuting the 
gold back again into knowledge. 

The theory of a Business College is the theory of Lord 
Bacon. Knowledge is power, and what does not increase 
human efficiency is not knowledge. The sphere of any man's 
activity is of necessity limited ; his efficiency within that sphere 
will depend upon his power to anticipate every emergency 
likely to arise within it, upon his power to seize and employ 
the resources at his command, and upon the still greater power 
of creating them in the hour of necessity. Forecast is power. 
But such forecast is the product of experience, of one's own, 
or that of some one else. And every system of education is 
based upon the assumption that the experience of others, the 
experience of those that have lived before us, can be made 
available for future guidance. Roger Ascham, whose Schole- 
master contains the core of all that is valuable in the philos- 
ophy of education, boldly pronounces that man a dunce who 
can make no use of another man's experience. 

Now the Business College, as I understand it, aims to 
impart that skill which has been already proved of service in 
commercial life, and aims to cultivate a business imagination; 
aims to separate from the great mass of individual transac- 
tions those principles which are common to them all, so that 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. I 5 I 

these may be thoroughly mastered by the pupil ; aims to 
familiarize him beforehand with every species of problem 
which is likely to confront him in actual trade. Like all true 
education, it is the plying of the mind with clear notions of 
realities before entering upon the hand-to-hand struggle with 
the realities themselves. 

In 1 86 1 some elderly men were discussing the probabili- 
ties of war between the States and of its possible issues. One 
of the company ended the discussion with this singular 
remark : " If war does break out, the armies of the Union will 
succeed, for my nephew is upon the Union side, and my 
nephew, Ulysses, understands his business." The possibilities 
of Donelson and Vicksburg and Appomattox lay already 
coiled up in the nephew's brain ; the imagination working 
within its favorite sphere had preconceived the emergencies of 
military life and conquered them in advance. 

The first great achievement of the Russian hero, Skobeleff, 
was an almost exact reproduction of a movement which he 
had learned in reading the history of Napier's Indian cam- 
paigns, and the magnificent series of movements by which 
Moltke carried the German armies to the gates of Paris were 
the fruits of years of preliminary study of topographical and 
strategical details. 

Now in this connection let us remember that for ages war 
was the chief, almost the only, business of mankind. Greek 
and Goth, Roman and Carthaginian, alike were from child- 
hood trained to the soldier's life. The Spartan baby was 
plunged into cold baths to harden his frame against exposure. 
The German boy was forced to wear a ring upon his arm 
until he had killed his man in open fight. But with us in 
America war is only an incident. Of ten million voting 
citizens, not fifty thousand are in the army or navy. Our 
business is not destruction, but production. We build not 
heaps of dead, but workshops and roof-trees for the living. 
Our physical struggles are not with each other, but with ele- 
mental forces. Our intellects are taxed to solve the problems 



152 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

of an organized existence in* which millions of human units 
are compacted together into one stupendous system of inter- 
dependent activities. If, then, in the military ages of the 
past or the military nations of the present the training must 
be essentially the training of the camp, surely in an indus- 
trial age, among a great industrial people, the training should 
be largely the training of the workshop and counting-house. 

It is only too true that the mind can be converted into 
the lightning that blasts and annihilates, yet it is equally true 
that our intellectual energies may be driven in ever-widening 
pulsations of light and life through all the constructive move- 
ments of a great industrial civilization. But if the great system 
of our peaceful activities is to be thus made luminous with 
inventive foresight, if it is to be penetrated with a beneficent 
and far-reaching intelligence, an intelligence comprehensive as 
sunlight and swift as lightning, then our children must not be 
kept in ignorance of the kind of epoch info which they have 
been born and the character of the difficulties which they must 
confront and conquer. 

Belonging, as I do, sir, to that group of scholars who 
rebel at the extravagant and almost exclusive worship of 
antiquity, so long prevalent in our educational circles, who 
believe that the great social structures of the nineteenth cen- 
tury, so rich in their inner complexities and so sharply differ- 
entiated in their outlines, are, if not worthier, at any rate quite 
as worthy of profound study as the age of Pericles or the 
empire of the Caesars, and who value the past, not because it 
is the past, but because the knowledge of its struggles may 
help us in our conflict with problems which resemble those of 
Greece and Rome, as an Atlantic steamer resembles a Grecian 
trireme, or as our world-embracing system of electric com- 
munication resembles the fire signals of an ancient army, I 
rejoice in the growth of a form of education which fixes its 
gaze firmly upon one great section of actual present life and 
aims to bring the problems of business existence into subjec- 
tion to intellectual processes. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 153 

Lucas di Borgo, the Venetian friar, who was the author 
of what Dominie Sampson used to speak of as the Italian 
method of bookkeeping, had, I fancy, faint dreams of the 
"prodigious " service he was rendering the commercial world. 
{Applause) 

Well, what is the philosophy of bookkeeping ? Spencer 
Miller used to tell with infinite relish of an old German bank- 
rupt, who, being asked for his books, spluttered out in disgust: 
" Books ! I don't keep no books. Books dells dales!" 
{Laughter) There you have it in a single phrase — books tell 
tales. Books are to the merchant what quadrant and chro- 
nometer, celestial and terrestrial globe are to the mariner; 
they tell him, if he understands the science, his latitude and 
longitude, where he has been and where he is, and which way 
he ought to go. They are the index of all his activities ; 
without them the pictures of his fancy may usurp the place 
of facts; with them he has at least some hope of seeing things 
as they really are. Now and then a bank is wrecked, even 
here in staid Philadelphia. The expert accountant is called in. 
Directors, long-faced, eyes swollen with loss of sleep and 
unwonted tears, sit anxiously around expecting revelations of 
subterranean duplicity and unearthly cunning, only to be told 
that even a rudimentary acquaintance with the science of book- 
keeping should have warned them months before that things 
had gone awry. Besides all this, the consolidation of vast 
interests into single " enterprises of great pith and moment," 
the intertwining of financial institutions with one another, the 
great breadth and variety qf commercial currents which some- 
times centre in a single establishment, demand a correspond- 
ing development in the science and art of keeping books, of 
the power to tell tales accurately and swiftly, so that the mer- 
chant-mariner may take his reckoning, if need be, at every 
midday of his perilous voyage. 

Again, sir, the Business College, in making plain to its 
students the relations of law to commerce, performs a double 
function. It not only renders a young man familiar with the 



154 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

forms and methods of business which the law requires and 
sustains, making him aware of the hidden rocks of legal deci- 
sion upon which he may be wrecked at any moment, but it 
reveals to him how commerce and industry may be crippled 
and hamstrung by vicious or inadequate legislation. How 
many men in Philadelphia are to-day bewailing their ignorance 
of the nature of a receiver's certificate, that highest achieve- 
ment of financial jurisprudence, in which the Scripture is liter- 
ally fulfilled which says the first mortgage shall be the last 
lien ? On the other hand, how long will it take for courts and 
cabinets, Congress and Legislatures, to learn that they exist 
for the sake of industry and commerce, not commerce and 
industry for theirs, when the rising generation has made up its 
mind that the age of buncombe shall give place to the age 
of business ? Multiply these colleges ! Make plain and 
distinct to the students in them that in an industrial age 
and nation political questions are business questions, and 
you will hasten the day when the whole brood of creep- 
ing things and crawling creatures which now infest our 
political system will disappear as did their ancestors before 
St. Patrick. 

Mr. President, we Americans have just ended the first 
century of our existence ; the civilized world is upon the verge 
of the twentieth century of the Christian era. The nineteenth 
century has been the epoch of the development of democracy ; 
the twentieth century will be the epoch of its trial. The 
questions which confront us and may confound our children 
are eminently social questions. Political economy may not be 
a science in the sense in which astronomy is a science or 
mechanics is a science. But no facts come so closely home 
to men's business and bosoms as those which political economy 
seeks to classify and understand. America in the twentieth 
century may be a Laocoon writhing helpless in the folds of 
the social question, or it may be an Apollo among the nations, 
divinely triumphant over the destroyer. If we approach these 
questions with the " dry light " of the intellect we shall solve 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 55 

them — with difficulty perhaps, but, sir, we shall solve them. 
Once the intelligence of the American people is taught to 
play about the problems of finance and revenue, the relation 
of savings to production, of the State to the individual and 
individual to the State, directly the demagogue, who can only 
live and work in the lurid glare of human passions flaming 
out upon a background of dense ignorance, will tumble head- 
long to his own place. 

In the touching interview between the Marquis of Posa 
and Queen Elizabeth of Spain, the Marquis, as his last mes- 
sage to Don Carlos, exclaims : " Tell him to reverence the 
ideals of his youth." It is not given to any of us, sir, to 
realize our ideals, but nevertheless all our achievements are 
proportioned to the dreams and hopes and vivid purposes of 
our fresher days. {Applause}) 

Now it is objected to the Business College that it lowers 
the ideal of human life and tends to make men sordid, nar- 
row, selfish — men of one idea and of one greed. That I do 
not believe. I do not believe it, because it is contrary to the 
law of the human mind ; I do not believe it, because it con- 
tradicts the facts of commercial life. The man who mixes 
brains with his business, who, either because of his business 
genius or business training, organizes his ordinary business 
machinery into almost automatic perfection, and who, be- 
cause of his anticipating imagination, can be surprised by 
no emergency, is the man who has the leisure for intellectual 
and philanthropic pursuits ; whereas the business man to 
whom every emergency brings questions entirely new 
exhausts all his mental power in the conduct of his own 
affairs. 

But look at the facts. When this city was smitten by the 
hand of plague ; when sons were deserting mothers, and even 
mothers deserting children ; when the cry of " Bring out your 
dead " fell like a prophecy of horror upon the vitals of the 
living; when men refused to take each other by the hand; 
when the dread destroyer of life was destroying everything 



I56 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

that makes life noble, courage and hope and faith and love, 
who came forward in that terrible hour to take charge of Bush 
Hill Hospital, reckless of his own life if he might save the 
lives of his fellow-men ? Why, sir, the first merchant of his 
time — Stephen Girard. The man whose character, massive 
and beautiful in its simple grandeur as the structure which 
bears his name, this great city has not yet learned to know. 
How many Englishmen of the nineteenth century have been 
more eloquent than Richard Cobden and John Bright, both 
of them merchant-manufacturers ? How many English poets 
have surpassed the Philip Van Artevelde of Henry Taylor, 
who spent his life as chief clerk in the English Colonial 
Office ? What American thinker has, since Jonathan Edwards, 
written more lucidly upon the human will than the Rhode 
Island manufacturer — Rowland Hazard ? Where are we to 
find literary criticism finer than that of Stedman, the banker? 
or knowledge of American history superior to that of Dawson, 
the bookkeeper? or a greater wealth of mediaeval lore than 
that of Henry Carey Lea, the bookseller ? No, sir ; contact 
with men ennobles man. The attrition of business life may 
polish, and certainly need not destroy, the nobler elements of 
human character. Let the ideals set before the students of 
this Business College be framed from the splendid gallery of 
commercial history ; let them become acquainted in their youth 
with the men whose energies have been transfigured by creative 
intelligence into luminous centres of beneficial social activities, 
with the men whose invincible integrity is everlasting witness 
that sagacious and energetic honesty is more than a match for 
unscrupulous cunning; with the men who have carried not 
only the accumulations, but the methods of business into 
philanthropic enterprise ; who have saved commonwealths by 
their courage, and in their conduct and their charities exem- 
plified the words of Him who, at the carpenter's bench, or in 
the shadow of the Temple, or sustaining all things by the 
word of His power, declares in speech and deed, " My Father 
worketh hitherto, and I work." 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 57 

Fashioning their lives from such ideals, the Philadelphia 
merchants of the twentieth century will be not unworthy of 
the great city which is so soon to be committed to their care. 
( Cordial applause') 



F^piqoipal Tr^orqas J^Iay F^oipeo 

TO THE 

Oradu.atiqg ©lass. 



Having successfully completed the course of study pre- 
scribed at Peirce College of Business, and having passed 
creditably and satisfactorily to the Faculty the examination 
required, I now present you with the diploma of the institu- 
tion, which is a declaration to the public of our faith in your 
competency as accountants. 

One word more, and I am through with what I conceive 
to be my duty to you as your Principal. Myself and Faculty 
have, as best we could, trained you io deal justly, to love 
mercy, and to walk humbly. Allow me, in parting with you, 
to call your attention to the fact that there is a Master Account- 
ant who will keep a record of all that you may do. My prayer 
is that you may so act in this life that when the great day of 
accounts shall arrive, yours will be satisfactory alike to you 
and to the Master Accountant. 



Soopgo H. Stuart, 

INTRODUCING 

cJohjq 13. (jougt^, 



We have now reached, so far as the presiding officer is 
concerned, the most difficult part of the programme. I have 
an unknown speaker to introduce to you. That is a difficult 
thing, and reminds me of an anecdote in relation to a man who 
had been hired as a butler by the late General Cadwalader. 
The man was very green, and the General, on going out one 
morning, said to him : " Tom, I am going out for an hour or 
so, and I expect a painter in here to do some work this morn- 
ing, and if he comes before I get back I want you to tell him 
what work to do." " Please repeat that, would you ? " So 
the General repeated it, and Tom said, " All right, your 
Honor." The General went out, and got about half way 
down to Eighth street — he was living on Arch street, between 
Eighth and Ninth streets — and he heard some one calling, 
" General Cadwalader ! I say, General Cadwalader ! " There 
was Tom running with all his might, with his hair flying in 
the wind. He said, " What shall I tell the painter if he don't 
come?" Now what shall I say about this speaker if I don't 
tell you anything about him. There are two men of America 
who are the most difficult men to introduce, as they are not 
known. One is named Dwight L. Moody and the other John 
B. Gough. All I have to say about these men I will sum up 
in one sentence. The Queen of England's crown, with which 



l60 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

she was crowned when made Queen — and God bless her 
to-night (though she has not kept Gladstone in) — contains one 
thousand seven hundred diamonds ; the imperial crown of 
France contains two thousand five hundred diamonds ; the 
crown with which the late Emperor of Russia was crowned 
contains five thousand three hundred and fifty-two diamonds ; 
but the crown awaiting Dwight L. Moody and John B. 
Gough is one solid gem not to be compared in beauty and value 
with all the crowns of earth. 

John B. Gough will now address you, God bless him, and 
I pray he may be spared long to preach the doctrine of total 
abstinence from all intoxicants. [Applause.) 



J3iogpaphp@cil cST^ot©h| 

OF t 

cJ ol)T\ IBartl^olonqQW (Souglq, 



Temperance orator, popular lecturer, greatest platform actor, 
master of arts, author. 

He was born in Sandgate, Kent, England, August 22, 1817, and 
died in Frankford, Phila., February 18, 1886. He came to the United 
States when twelve years of age. After living on a farm in Oneida 
county, N. Y., for two years, he learned the trade of bookbinder in New 
York city. Owing to dissipation he sank to the verge of despair, until, in 
1842, in Worcester, Mass., a little kindness from a member of the Friends' 
Society induced him to reform. He at once began to lecture, and soon 
became the greatest of temperance orators. The first year he spoke 386 
times, and in seventeen years addressed more than 5,000 audiences. He 
visited England in 1853 and spent two years in lecturing on temperance. 
In 1857 he made another journey to England and lectured for three 
years. On his return he took up other subjects for his lectures, but rarely 
failed to introduce some reference to the evils of intemperance. 

Receiving most of his education from his mother, he was conscious 
of his deficient learning ; but his .natural powers of delineation were 
wonderful, and he "acted" every part of his discourses. He was always 
sure of a full house, and during his forty-four years of platform life he 
addressed several millions of auditors. Amherst College conferred upon 
him the degree of A. M., and his works have been translated into various 
languages. 

He was stricken with apoplexy while delivering a lecture in the 
First Presbyterian Church, Frankford, Phila., and died soon afterward. 
His loss was universally mourned, N. H. 



y\ddpQSB to th|Q Gpaduatos 

— BY — 

Johm B. &Q\ig1c)' r fi. fib. 



One time, I remember very well, attending commencement 
exercises, I was exceedingly anxious to understand an address 
called a salutatory, delivered in Latin, and I knew no word of 
Latin, but I felt that the gentleman who was speaking was 
saying something worth hearing, and I remembered that the 
English was in part derived from the Latin, and I listened 
attentively for some word I could understand, and it came. 
Looking me right in the face, with his hands extended, he 
said, " ignoramus," and I understood it thoroughly, and I 
spoke out in meeting by saying, " That's a fact." And if I 
ever thought that to be a fact in my whole experience I feel it 
to-night. After witnessing these exercises and listening to 
the magnificent speech which has been delivered, I feel as if it 
was almost a mistake on the part of the officers of this insti- 
tution to have asked me to stand here and speak to you. 

I am to speak to graduates, and as I saw these young 
men stand up before us to receive their diplomas, I thought 
to myself: What a grand thing it is to be a young man, 
standing on the threshold of young manhood, with all of life 
before you to make your life just what you choose to make 
it ! You are graduates. I hardly know that I understand 
what that word means. I am not a graduate. You know 
very well, many of you, that I have never been to a school, a 
Sunday-school or a day-school, for an hour since I was ten 
years of age, but I do respect and honor and revere knowledge 
in any man. You have heard to-night that knowledge is 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 63 

power, but I want to make this addition, that knowledge is 
not only a power, but it is a trust, and for this you are and 
must be responsible. We are all of us authors, every one of 
us. We cannot help but be authors. In the morning, a fair, 
clean, white page ; at night it is written all over. Other 
authors can change what they have written when they choose ; 
you cannot. Other authors can remove a blot or stain or a 
spot on their manuscript ; you cannot. What you write is 
written, and there is not a word that you can change ; there 
is not a blot you can remove to save your soul. 

Therefore, I want to say a few words, and I shall address 
myself particularly to the young men. In the starting of life 
make up your minds to this, first — to keep a clean record. 
Suppose you are put up for office. In political life men are 
set up for office, and some seek it for themselves. Your 
opponents, when they would do you damage, will do just one 
thing. They will get your record. If there is a spot on it 
they will enlarge it, they will magnify it, they will put the 
microscope to it to your damage ; if there is not a spot on it 
you are perfectly free from all damage to be done by them. 
Therefore, it is very important for you, young men, and for 
your own sake, to keep a clean record. W T hen you are as old as 
I am your memory will fail you in regard to names and dates 
and places ; it will never fail you one iota with regard to the 
incidents of your life. Your record is always before you. 
You may think you have forgotten, but some night when you 
cannot sleep and you toss from side to side, then the record 
which you would fain forget, and hope you have forgotten, 
stands before you, vivid, clear, makes the hair stand on your 
head, when you cry out in despair : " What a fool I was to 
make such a record to stare me in the face when I fain would 
have forgotten it altogether ! " I want to say one word, and I 
want to say it plainly. You think that you can overcome this. 
Young men, I am sixty-seven years of age ; I have lived 
sixty years ; seven years I was dead ; everything bright and 
beautiful and manly crushed and blasted by the damning 



164 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

influence of seven years of intemperance. I tell you, young 
men, seven years is a great gap in a man's life. You have 
lost that much, and the realization that you alone are respon- 
sible for the loss of it does not make it very pleasant. A man 
does not get over this. I may put my hand into the hand of 
a giant, and the hand is crushed and bleeding and mangled. 
That hand may be healed ; that hand may be very useful, but 
its beauty is gone, its symmetry is gone forever, and it will 
never be the hand it was before it was broken. And so with 
your record, so with your reputation. It never will be what 
it was before it was stained, smirched, its beauty destroyed. 
How is it in the beginning that young men commence to do 
themselves this damage ? A young man said to me once : " I 
won't sign the temperance pledge." " Why ? " " Because I 
won't sign away my liberty." Young men are very much 
afraid of their liberty ; afraid of their liberty being curtailed. 
We have different ideas in regard to liberty. I said to him, 
" What is liberty ? " " Liberty to do as I please." My young 
friend, any man that does as he pleases, independent of moral, 
physical and divine law, is the meanest slave that ever walked 
God's footstool. There is no true freedom but in steadfast 
•obedience to righteous law. {Applause?) Well, it is said 
sometimes : " Young men will sow their wild oats." If they 
do, they will reap them. Some one will say, " Young men 
will be young men." They ought to be. I do not believe in 
old heads on young shoulders. I do not like to see old young 
men. I like to see young men full of life, in the vigor of their 
young manhood, seeking enjoyment in every pursuit in which 
they engage, and there is abundance of enjoyment for us. Some 
people have an idea if we are over-moral and over-righteous 
that we get sour, like a vinegar cruet. There is no necessity 
for a man to be sour and sorrowful and gloomy ; not at all,, 
nor moody either, unless he can be Moody in the right sense 
of the word. God created us for enjoyment. There is enjoy- 
ment in every lawful, honorable pursuit that a man pursues in 
a manly spirit. There is enjoyment in business, in recreation. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 165 

I believe in recreation. I believe in fun. Man is the only 
animal that can laugh, and he ought to enjoy the privilege. 
We ought to enjoy life, and there are so many sources of 
enjoyment. I remember once a lady asked me to hear- the 
rendition of a musician, who, if it was not for his modesty, 
would be one of the first in the country. I sat there and 
heard some of those wild, weird strains resolved into such 
wonderful harmony that I sat, like Oliver Twist, and cried for 
" More, more." I should think he played for me two hours, 
and at last he said to me : " You fill me full of music. I will 
give you more after a bit." I said, " I thank God for such a 
capacity for enjoyment." That is rational enjoyment. A man 
can enjoy that and thank God for it. We have capacities for 
enjoyment all around and about us in this glorious season of 
the year. The dull animal gazes upon all creation, and sees 
no beauty in it ; there is no beauty in the landscape ; no 
loveliness in the view ; it lifts its dull eyes and gazes about it 
with no emotion. But you and I stand up, and all becomes 
beautiful. Why ? Because man has a soul that is like an 
urn full of light, shedding its rays on all creation and making 
it beautiful. {Applause^) 

Young men begin life by coming to certain false conclu- 
sions. We will speak, for instance, of bravery. What is it 
to be a brave man ? I heard two young men talking a short 
time ago on the train, and one of them spoke of the bravery 
of a couple of prize fighters. I know some converted and 
reformed prize fighters. Not one of them will tell you there 
is any bravery in it. Training themselves for endurance and 
strength and skill, and then coming together to knock one 
another to pieces for money. That is bravery — the same 
bravery there is in a dog. Dogs will fight and cocks will 
fight. To be bold against an enemy in that way is given to 
the brutes. Man's prerogative is to be brave against himself. 
Let a man conquer every evil passion, crush out every unholy 
desire, until he can shout " Victor}- ! " That man is braver than 
any man that stands up to fight against his fellow-man for 



1 66 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

money. Oh ! I could give you so many instances of this sort 
of bravery that have thrilled my nerves and made my blood 
flow faster through my veins. What constitutes heroism ? 
What is it to be a hero ? There is no heroism without self- 
sacrifice. The true hero is the man that will sacrifice and give 
up all for the sake of others. A selfish action has not the first 
element of heroism in it. To be a hero is what ? Ask the 
world's great men, "In what does your greatness consist?" 
and hear the reply. One says : " I make marble speak ; " 
another, " I make canvas speak ; " another, " I sing the song 
that ages will repeat ; " another, " I weigh the sun and set the 
courses of the planets;" another, "I discovered a world;" 
another, " I conquered a world." With reverence we ask the 
prophet of Nazareth, " What is Thy greatness ? " Hear the 
reply: "I came to seek and to save that which was lost." 
" By what means ? " " By giving myself as a sacrifice for 
them." Candidates for heroism, take your rank according to the 
most magnificent standard of heroism the universe ever gazed 
on. Just in proportion as a man reaches that standard does he 
reach perfect heroism. We glory in seeing men make sacri- 
fices for others. {Applause) 

There is a class of persons that do not believe in that sort 
of thing. Fast young men do not. There are few poorer 
specimens of humanity than what are called fast young men. 
The city fast young man is contemptible, but the country fast 
young man, oh ! mercy. And we have them in every town, 
village and hamlet in the country. Did you ever see them 
strut, swelled like pouter pigeons ? They think they are great 
men, or resemble great men. I remember a story of an 
Irishman, Englishman and German talking together of their 
resemblance to great men. The Englishman said : " I was 
walking one day in the city of London, and a lord bowed 
very low to me, and said, ' Have I the great honor to speak to 
Mr. Gladstone?' What do you think of that?" The Ger- 
man said : " That's nothing. I was walking in the streets of 
Berlin, and a gentleman came up to me and said, ' Have I the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 67 

honor to speak to Prince Bismarck ? ' What do you think of 
that? That beats you, I think." The Irishman said: " I will 
bate you both all to smithereens. I was sitting on a barrel of 
potatoes, and a man came up to me and slapped me on the 
back and said, ' Hello ! Pat, is this yourself? ' " [Laughter and 
applause?) They have an idea they are great men, or resemble 
great men, which you know is often the evidence of insanity 
exhibited in a lunatic asylum. There is no education, no 
intellect, no heroism necessary to drive a fast horse, drink 
intoxicating liquor and use profane language. The worst 
lunatic at Blockley can do that as well as any fast young man 
in Philadelphia. 

Such men have little idea of what constitutes true hero- 
ism, and yet the poorest, the most ignorant, can be a hero. 
When I was in Cornwall they showed me a mine where a 
circumstance occurred which has become immortal. I believe 
Carlyle, in one of his essays, alludes to it. Two miners were 
sinking a shaft. The custom was to fix the fuse and cut it 
with a short knife. One man then descended in the bucket, 
which was attached to a rope, 'making certain to ignite the 
fuse, and then, on making the signal, was pulled up. It was 
dangerous business. One day they left their knife above, and 
on taking a sharp stone to cut the fuse it took fire, and 
instantly both men ran for the bucket ; but the windlass would 
pull up but one man, and consequently but one had to go up, 
or both would be killed in a few minutes. One man was 
pulled up. When they descended they expected to find the 
mangled body of the other, but the charge had broken off a 
piece of rock that lay across and shielded him, and with the 
exception of being a little bruised and crushed and somewhat 
stunned he was unhurt. When asked why he allowed the 
other man to escape — " Why did you not escape yourself?" — 
he said, in his broad dialect : " Because I knowed that my soul 
was safe. I gave it into the hands of Him what asked me for 
it, and when I give it to Him I knowed He got it, and what 
He lays hold of He never lets go of; the devil himself 



1 68 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

couldn't get it away from Him. I am all right, and I 
knows it. But the other chap was an awful wicked lad, 
and I wanted to give him another chance." Call that what 
you may, I call it heroism — grand and magnificent. {Loud 
applause) 

So that to be a hero is to exercise self-denial ; to be brave 
is to overcome that which threatens to overwhelm you ; to be 
a man is to be symmetrical. Oh ! is it not a grand sight to 
see a man stand up in the glorious attitude of a clean, clear 
man, adorned with integrity, chastity and all virtues, with face 
sublime in its gentleness ; with lips through which vile oaths 
have never yet passed ; with eyes that never scorned to allow 
their radiance to be dimmed with tears of sympathy 
for others ; with a hand that never used its strength 
against a weaker fellow-creature — stand up adorned with 
integrity, sobriety and all virtues as a grand specimen of 
a symmetrical manhood ? It is a beautiful sight to look upon. 
But turn away, and look at men as so many of them have 
made themselves and see what slaves they are, for, as I said 
when I began, a man who lives independent of moral, physical 
and divine law becomes a pitiable slave. 

I know not that what I say will be of any account to you. 
I cannot give you an intellectual entertainment — a literary 
feast. I never was able to do it. As for the unities of speech, 
you see what I do with them. I do not know anything about 
them ; I care but very little for them. I am like the descrip- 
tion a man gave of his clock : " I know my clock is very reli- 
able, for when it points at two, it always strikes twelve, and 
then I know it is half-past seven o'clock." I care not how I 
say it, I am always willing to say what I can that may help 
any in the conflict of life. 

I once read a novel by Bulwer entitled What Will He Do 
With It? And now I ask you that question. You have 
graduated to-night; you have worked hard to attain this 
position, to receive your diploma; you have studied hard; 
you have had a high ambition. Now you have your diploma. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 69 

What will you do'with it ? That is the question for you to 
answer. What use will you make of it ? 

You, young ladies, you who have graduated. I was 
compelled to ask, while I was sitting here, what you were 
graduated to, and I was told, " To be useful " — and useful in 
certain directions in which you could not be useful without 
this knowledge. For instance, in telegraphy. If I pronounce 
it right, tell me ; if I don't, don't say a word. Now, I suppose 
it is something very wonderful ; it is something I do not 
understand, and I do not know that you do, either. I have 
puzzled myself and annoyed my friends sometimes by watch- 
ing and making inquiries, and have come away just as ignorant 
as when I began. My idea of telegraphy is pretty much like 
that of the colored -man who, when asked if he was colored, 
said, " No ; I was born so ; I never was colored." Said a man 
to him, " Do you know what a telegraph is ?" " I don't know 
exactly what it is, but I can 'xplain it to you." "Very well; 
'xplain away, then." " Suppose there was a dog so big that 
his head was in New York and his tail in Pennsylvania." 
" Why, there never was such a dog." " I didn't say there ever 
was such a dog as that. I said, s'pose there was such a dog. 
I can't tell you what a telegraph is without you will allow me 
to s'pose." " S'pose away, then." " S'pose that dog's head 
is in New York and his tail in -Pennsylvania. When I trod 
on that dog's tail in Pennsylvania he would bark in New York, 
wouldn't he?" {Laughter and applause?) That is my idea 
of telegraphy ; but the point is to know how to tread on the 
tail so that the dog will bark. It is absolutely necessary to 
know that. 

I cannot understand what you have learned, but you have 
learned to do something, and, I trust, more, to do it well. I 
presented the diplomas at a young ladies'. seminary some three 
or four years ago in Andover. I never saw the thing done 
before in my life; I never did such a thing. I have felt I 
might be called upon to do so because I am an A. M., I am. 
Cannot read my diploma, because it is in Latin, but out of 



I70 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

compliment they did make me an A. M., an*d therefore I felt I 
might present their diplomas, and I said a few words to them 
about their lives — what they were to do. I know there are 
some young ladies whose whole — well, I may say, whose aim 
and ambition is to find a son-in-law for their mother; who 
have an idea that the sole aim and object of their lives is to 
get married, and that to be an old maid is something very 
dreadful. Young ladies, it is better to be laughed at for being 
an old maid than never to laugh yourselves any more because 
you are married. That is not all that is necessary. Why, 
young ladies, read the lives of the spinsters, as you call them, 
or old maids — Florence Nightingale, Rosa Bonheur, Miss 
Dix, and hundreds of the best women that ever lived, despised 
as old maids ! Let me say, young ladies, you have something 
to live for — for yourselves and for society ; and when God 
throws into your way a man that will make you a good 
husband, take him in the fear of God and do the best you can 
for him, for yourself and for the world. {Applause.) 

To these young men who are now entering life I can say 
but very little. My experience, you know, has been not among 
educated men, not among the intellectual, the learned, the 
wealthy and the high in rank. I have worked among the poor, 
the despised and degraded, and when I see young men starting 
in life with such an impetus as this and think of the hundreds 
of young men who are doomed to steady, hard labor, with 
scarcely a bright gleam of sunshine across their paths, I can- 
not but be impressed with the immense advantages you enjoy. 
Here I will just say, some of you will become employers 
of labor — some of you will become masters, or, as they are 
called in this country, bosses. Let me give you one piece of 
advice. If you have a thousand men or women to work for 
you, never call them " hands." It is an outrage. Hands 
without heads or hearts — simply the fingers to work for you ! 
That is not the way to treat workingmen to-day, and it is no 
wonder that there is a great deal of socialism in this country, 
where there is hard, cruel unjust oppression of workingmen. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. IJl 

My sympathies are with them and always will be with them. 
What I want of those who are placed in a position of life so 
much more desirable, at any rate, is that they should have some 
sympathy for those who in the social scale are beneath them. 
The greatest emperor in the world as he sits upon his throne 
never occupied a more dignified position than a strong man 
occupies when he stoops to the weakness of a fellow-being to 
help him up. If you would attain the grandeur of true man- 
hood, be noble, be heroic in the true sense of the word, be 
brave, be sympathizing with others. What a great power 
there is in a kind word ! Take it upon your railroads. There 
are certain roads in this country upon which you dread to 
ride, because you hardly get a civil word from one end to the 
other. I have more than once taken another road because on 
the first road they are gruff and grum, and speak to you as if 
you were an interloper. Only the other day at a ticket office 
— I will not say where — this is only an illustration — " I want 
to get two tickets, if you please, to so and so." " Two ?" 
" Yes, sir ; two tickets." " Two." " Yes, sir ; I asked you 
for two tickets to such and such a place." " Two dollars." 
Said I, " Why didn't you say dollars before ?" (Applause?) 
Now, if they would put in a little word once in a while, it 
would smooth things over. " A soft answer turneth away 
wrath." A gentleman walking with two others, one on each 
side, was smoking. One said to him, " I beg your pardon, 
but would you be kind enough to smoke in that gentleman's 
face for a little while ?" (Laughter?) There was no quarrel. So 
he saw in a moment what he had been doing, and said : " I beg 
your pardon." Sitting in a theatre were two gentlemen, and 
there were two other gentlemen standing in front of the former 
so that they could see nothing. Said one of them in the rear, 
" When you see anything particularly interesting on the stage, 
would you be kind enough to let us know ?" That was better 
than digging them in the back with an umbrella ; it was polite 
and courteous. These are some of the things that oil the 
wheels of life. Courtesy, pleasant treatment of others, and a 



172 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

kind word — it is a wonderful thing. John Wanamaker was 
saying to me just before I arose, speaking of a little send-off 
they gave me some years ago in Bethany Mission, " Why, it was 
only the kisses of the children." I tell you the kiss of a child 
has worked wonders, and greater wonders sometimes than the 
strong lifting of a giant's arm. The word of kindness, the 
word of sympathy — and here woman has a wonderful mission. 
One kind word, one simple thought in the heart of a poor, 
desolate creature that some good woman cares for him, has 
brought many a man from sin to righteousness and from the 
path of dissipation to the path of purity. {Applause}) 

It is a kind word we all want, and it should be remem- 
bered in your treatment of boys. You boys know what it is. 
When I was a boy I used to get snubbed so that I got used to 
it, absolutely toughened to it. I was snubbed in every direc- 
tion. If I used a word a little out of the ordinary way, I was 
snubbed for it. I wrote a letter to my father, " We are now 
threatened in this region with an epidemic," and they called 
me " little epidemic " for three months. By and by, I got to be 
afraid to ask a question, or to speak a word unless I knew 
exactly what it meant, or until I went to the dictionary to 
understand all about it. Such treatment as that to a boy he 
never recovers from until the day of his death. 

I remember once being in church. I was exceedingly 
diffident. All the years of my life I had no ladies' society. I 
was entirely shut out from it. There was a lady sitting by my 
side, and I thought I would try to be polite, so I took a hymn- 
book, when the hymn was given out, very hastily turned over 
to the page, and with a smile and a little perspiration at the 
tips of the fingers, I presented the book to the lady. She 
looked at me and turned around and got a book from another 
place. I looked around to see if anybody saw that. I did not 
sing any more; if I did I must have sung out of tune. But 
the result of that one snub by that one young lady was that I 
have never attempted to find a hymn for a lady from that day 
to this, and I never shall. Some natures, snubbed once, will 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 73 

never be snubbed again. So much for kind words, courteous 
demeanor. {Applause) 

Honorable intentions, carried out with all your power and 
force, will make the man, and then you and I, while we remain 
in this world, shall, by the power God has given us, so work 
that in the blessed light of the attributes of God we may see 
the result of our work in the regeneration and redemption of 
the race. 

I had got through with my winter's work ; it had been a 
hard one, from October to the last of May, for it is steady 
work ; most of it four and five, and sometimes six lectures a 
week, and I had come home for rest. Mr. Wanamaker sent 
me a telegraphic dispatch, and it was a long one, inviting me 
to come here, as Professor Peirce, the Principal of this Col- 
lege, would like to have me say a few words to his graduating 
class. I am here, not in very good condition to speak to you 
after so hard a winter's work, but willing, with all my heart, 
to stand here before such a magnificent audience and say the 
few words I have said, .which I know have not done you 
any harm, and which I trust may be the means of stimulating 
some of you to make your lives nobler, better, and truer than 
you might have done had you not heard from me these few 
words. 

God bless you all. I thank you for your courtesy.. 
(Long-continued applause) 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peirce School oi Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Thursday Evening, June 24, 1886, 



AT 7.45 O CLOCK, 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-FIRST SCHOOL YEAR. 



-^ PROGRAMME *£- 

T^iarjsday KVei^ii7g, iftL^e 24, 1886 

MUSIC BY THE 

Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.45 O'CLOCK. 

HENRY FEHLING, Assistant Conductor. 



OVERTURE—" Nabucco? Verdi 

SELECTION— "Amorita," Czibulka 

MARCH — " En Avant" Gung'l 

FACULTY, GRADUATES AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. W. C. CATTELL, D. D„ LL. D., 

Late President of Lafayette College. 

SONG — " Greeting" Mendelssohn 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
THOMAS COCHRAN, 

President of Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit Company. 

SELECTION—" Nation^ Genee 

Annual Address, Chancellor JOHN HALL, D. D., LL. D., 

Of University of the City of New York. 

WALTZ — " Summer Night's Dream;'' Strauss 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 
SELECTION— "Aida,"-. : Verdi 

Address to Graduates, Rev. J. O. PECK, D. D., 

New Haven, Conn. 

GAVOTTE— " Enthusiasm;' . . Bernstein 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 
GALOP — " Six in Hand;' Dietrich 



List of Graduates, ©lass of '86, 



Arrizurieta, Jose Luis Cuba. 

Bailey, Daniel Cummins Delaware. 

Beideman, Elmer Ellsworth Pennsylvania. 

Berlinger, William Gottlob Pennsylvania. 

Bovard, Joseph Wesley Pennsylvania. 

Boyer, Oswald Eugene Pennsylvania. 

Boyle, Frederick Alexander New Jersey. 

Brenz, Louisa Matilda Pennsylvania. 

Brown, Peter " Pennsylvania. 

Bryan, William Thoburn Pennsylvania. 

Burk, William Cooper Pennsylvania. 

Carey, James White New Jersey. 

Carre, Alice Lafferty Pennsylvania. 

Cather, John Honeyman Pennsylvania. 

Cochran, John Stanton Pennsylvania. 

Cooley, Thomas Warren Pennsylvania. 

Cope, Levi A .... Pennsylvania. 

Cripps, Maurice Barrett Pennsylvania. 

Cumberland, John Henry Pennsylvania. 

Cunningham, James Francis New Jersey. 

Dealy, J. Harry Askin Pennsylvania. 

Diemer, John Edgar . . Pennsylvania. 

Drennan, Walter Yates Pennsylvania. 

Ellison, Job Greeley Pennsylvania. 

Eyre, Harry Elijah Pennsylvania. 

Fischer, Louis Ernest Pennsylvania. 

Gallagher, Catharine Cecilia Pennsylvania. 

Gallagher, Edward Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Gentner, Frederick William Pennsylvania. 

Gloninger, Cyrus Dorsey Pennsylvania. 

Glover, George Edward New Jersey. 

Harley, Meyer Pennsylvania. 

Harrington, Maurice Aloysius Pennsylvania. 

Harris, Charles Delaware Pennsylvania. 

Haurwitz, George New Jersey. 

Henis, Charles George Pennsylvania. 

Heyser, Emanuel R Mexico. 

Hines, John Nicholas Pennsylvania. 

Hirth, John Pennsylvania. 

Hoffner, James Bruner Pennsylvania. 



I78 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Hunter, Harry Austin Pennsylvania. 

Hurley, William Henry, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Kellner, Mary Augusta Pennsylvania. 

Kranich, Charles Pennsylvania. 

Kriebel, Lawrence Cassel Pennsylvania. 

Kunzing, Henry Peter, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Ladner, Louis Jackson, Jr. Pennsylvania. 

Lampen, Abel Thomas Pennsylvania. 

Lawler, John Francis Pennsylvania. 

Lupton, David Deacon Pennsylvania. 

Mehan, Patrick Francis , . . . Pennsylvania. 

Metzgar, Harry Julius Pennsylvania. 

Milon, William Henry Pennsylvania. 

O'Donnell, Thomas Pennsylvania. 

O'Gara, Patrick Daniel Pennsylvania. 

Ott, Wallace Freas Pennsylvania. 

Passmore, Hanson Pusey Pennsylvania. 

Pierson, James Banes Pennsylvania. 

Pullinger, Frank Barton Pennsylvania. 

Reeves, Loring Marion New Jersey. 

Rhoads, Warren Lawrence ... Pennsylvania. 

Riedenauer, Lewis Philip . „ Pennsylvania. 

Ritter, George Pennsylvania. 

Rogers, David Allen Pennsylvania. 

Ruddell, Henrietta Patience Pennsylvania. 

Schubert, Theodore Ulysses Grant New Jersey. 

Schultz, Eugene Kriebel Pennsylvania. 

Shuster, William S New Jersey. 

Smith, Charles Wilson Pennsylvania. 

Smith, Reuben Winpenny Pennsylvania. 

Smyth, Frank Vincent Pennsylvania. 

Snyder, Henry Delaware. 

Sprague, Isaac Jennings New Jersey. 

Stavely, Joseph Thomas, Jr. Pennsylvania. 

Stewart, William Pennsylvania. 

Stull, Willte Romaine Pennsylvania. 

Tagg, Robert, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Thon, Harry Pennsylvania. 

Todd, Fred. C Pennsylvania. 

Trainer, Edward Aloysius Pennsylvania. 

Tuft, Frank Hetzell Pennsylvania. 

Van Horn, William Thompson Pennsylvania. 

Ware, James Whilden New Jersey. 

Wasley, Sallie Rebecca ... Pennsylvania. 

Weikel, Horace Mann Pennsylvania. 

Yearsley, Wilbur Simpson Pennsylvania. 

Zollers, George Pennsylvania. 

Total, Eighty-seven. 



IE>iograph|i©a.l Sl^otol^ 
Williarri ©aScSady ©attoll, 



Doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, author, eminent divine, president 
of Lafayette College, corresponding secretary of the Presbyterian Board 
of Ministerial Relief, member of numerous learned societies. 

Dr. Cattell was born in Salem, New Jersey, August 30, 1827. He 
graduated at Princeton College in 1848, and at Princeton Theological 
Seminary in 1852. He then took an additional year's course of studies 
in Oriental languages under Professor J. Addison Alexander. From 1853 
till 1855 he was associate principal of Edgehill Seminary, and from 1855 
till i860 professor of Latin and Greek in Lafayette College. He then 
ministered three years over Pine Street Presbyterian Church, Harris- 
burg, Pa. 

In 1863 he returned to Lafayette College as its president, and in that 
capacity accomplished his great life-work as a successful educator. 

He raised more than a million dollars for Lafayette College during 
his administration. 

In 1864 he became a director in Princeton Theological Seminary, 
and in 1880 was appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction for 
Pennsylvania, but declined the office. 

He received the degree of D. D. from Hanover College, as well as 
from Princeton, and that of LL. D. from Wooster. 

He has resided in Philadelphia since 1883, where he is the honored 
secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Ministerial Relief, has published 
many sermons, addresses and articles on educational topics, and is 
greatly beloved as an excellent preacher, a superior scholar, and a courtly 
and affable gentleman. 

N. H. 



RoV, W. ©. ©attoll, ID. E>., LL. ID, 



Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, lift upon us the 
light of Thy countenance, and grant us Thy peace. And we 
invoke Thy benediction upon the exercises of this evening; 
may we all get some good from being here, so that we may 
be better prepared for the work Thou hast given us to do. 
And we especially pray for Thy blessing to rest upon this 
college ; upon Thy servant who is at its head, and upon all 
the instructors who are associated with him. We pray that 
Thou wouldst give unto them all a spirit of wisdom and of 
counsel and of understanding and of the fear of the Lord, and 
may they be successful in their great and responsible work. 
And we pray Thee to bless all the students who are under 
their instruction. Multiply unto them grace and mercy and 
peace. More especially do we pray for those who this night 
will receive their diplomas, and who will go out to do their 
work in the busy world. Endue them plenteously with Thy 
grace ; make them to be men and women who shall act well 
their part in the various spheres to which Thou shalt call 
them. Prosper them, O Lord, we beseech Thee, in all their 
avocations, and grant that they may deserve and secure the 
confidence and respect of all those with whom they may be 
here associated in work ; and after this life may they receive 
what is better than the favor of men, the Divine testimony,. 
" well done, good and faithful servants." We pray for Thy 
blessing to rest also upon all those who have gone out from 
this institution, and who are now occupying positions of trust 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 8 1 

and usefulness in the various walks of life. Make them all 
faithful in their appointed work, that from their useful lives the 
world may be the better and the happier. We ask all things 
through riches of grace in Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom 
with Thee and the Holy Ghost be all the praise. Amen. 



Thjonqas ©oolqpaq. 



Lawyer, statesman, financier, late president Guarantee Trust and 
Safe Deposit Company. 

Born near Mercersburg, Pa., April 12, 1832. His father died when 
he was a little child, and Mrs. Cochran removed first to Harrisburg and 
then to Philadelphia. Here Thomas finished a regular academic course, 
studied law, and was admitted to the bar December 2, 1854. Afier 
practicing for a time, his genius for public affairs and his personal 
popularity led to his election, in October, 1861, to the House of 
Representatives of Pennsylvania, and he was re-elected by increased 
majorities, serving until the close of 1865. 

During his term of service the War of the Rebellion was in pro- 
gress, and many very important questions bearing upon the great strug- 
gle were before the State Legislature. Mr. Cochran proved himself a 
statesman, and served upon nearly all the important committees during 
his term. In 1865 he was chairman of the Committee of Ways and 
Means. He has since served (eleven years) as a member of the Board 
of Revision of Taxes ; as vice-president of the Board of Finance of the 
Centennial Exhibition ; as commissioner of the United States for the 
disposition of the old Navy Yard ; as representative of the Sinking 
Fund ; as director of the Philadelphia Saving Fund ; as director of the 
North Pennsylvania Railroad ; as director and treasurer of the Union 
League Club ; as member of the Executive Council of the Board of 
Trade ; as one of the managers of the Reading Railroad ; as chairman 
of the Citizens' Committee of the Constitutional Centennial celebration ; 
as vice-president of the American Exhibition in London in 1887 ; as com- 
missioner of the State of Pennsylvania at the Centennial Exhibition of 
the Ohio Valley and Central States, 1888, etc., etc. Thomas Cochran is 
a man of great experience, broad views, vigorous industry, remarkable 
ability and unquestioned integrity. N. H. 



Ir^tpoduetorui F^onqarl^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Thjorx^as ©oor^paq. 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — Before introducing the speak- 
ers of the evening, I wish to make a remark or two, and the 
first is that this is a red-letter day in the history of this insti- 
tution. To-day it is twenty-one years of age ; it has attained 
its majority, whilst at the same time I will say that, so long as 
I have known Peirce College, and that has been a good many 
years, it has always appeared to me as a full-grown man. 
Perhaps it was the inspiration of its distinguished Principal who 
gave it its genius, for if you look at the work that it has done 
in the last twenty-one years, it seems as though it were the 
work of a lifetime, and I have no doubt that those of us that 
could see twenty-one years more of its history would feel that 
which it has accomplished 'in the past has been but a begin- 
ning. 

In looking at the youth before me who are about to 
graduate, I am led to reflect that the advantages of the children 
and young men and women of this day for education, not only 
generally, but in specialties, are far greater than those which 
were enjoyed by their ancestors. The early facilities for the 
educational development of this country seemed to run in the 
line of higher education, or rather in the establishment of 
colleges for the education of those principally who intended 
to pursue the learned professions — law, medicine or the min- 
istry. That was supplemented here and there by academies, 
by private schools, and by charity schools ; but either through 



1 84 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

inability or want of means in those days, the general educa- 
tion of the masses was thought to be an impossible thing 
Years ago, and not many years, for it is in the lifetime of some 
of those who are within my hearing, commenced the agitation 
for general public schools, and they were established. Now 
the public schools are part of the institutions of the country. 
You, gentlemen, are too young to remember that, but you may 
know it historically. You look upon it to-day as a thing 
which is fixed and as though it had always been, but even 
within my recollection it was a great struggle to extend pub- 
lic schools in the State of Pennsylvania. To-day, however, 
not only is collegiate education extended in its usefulness, the 
public schools extended in every direction and improved, but 
schools for specialties, which were not thought of a generation 
ago, have been established. To-day we have schools for mining 
engineers, schools for mechanical engineers, schools for differ- 
ent specialties, and why should we not have a large class, such 
as we have to-day, of those who are to be educated in com- 
mercial business, which reaches transactions of hundreds of 
millions of dollars every year, and which in early years would 
have been thought was a subject which was not a matter of 
school education, but one which young gentlemen must learn 
by hard experience only. 

I am glad to find that Peirce College and kindred institu- 
tions have so far advanced in educating young men and women 
in these branches. They make a class of merchants, and of 
bookkeepers, who are far superior to those who have to grope 
around for the knowledge which they need. There is nothing 
which requires greater accuracy than the matters in which 
they are educated. They get instruction in commercial law. 
The whole business of the country has changed from what it 
was twenty, thirty, forty and, of course, sixty years ago. To- 
day business is not done as it was then. The telegraph, the 
railroad and the steamship have changed all the methods of 
business. It must be done quickly. You must be so far ad- 
vanced that you must decide quickly ; you must be so accurate 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 85 

that there will be no mistakes. Many people, notably old 
people, think that the world is not as good to-day as it was in 
their youth, that it is getting worse. I am not among that 
number, and I hardly think that you are. To-day we take up 
the morning newspaper and read the news from three or four 
continents. We read the news from San Francisco, from New 
Orleans, from Boston, and from New York, and, of course, are 
informed of the crimes of those places. Some people read those 
and think, " Well, this is horrible ! " Some old people think 
nothing of the kind occurred when they were young. They 
forget that when they were young the information they read 
at the morning breakfast table did not extend ten miles from 
where they lived, whilst to-day they are taking in the " bad,'' 
as they say, from the whole world, whilst they do not counter- 
balance it with the immense strides which have been made on 
the other side. Now, as we have made strides on that side, so 
have we made strides in the general intelligence of the people. 
The school system which I have depicted to you, the common 
school system, the advance in education, has raised the average 
intelligence of the people, and you, gentlemen, if you intend 
to take a prominent place in the business of this generation, 
and the generation to come, if you are ambitious, you will 
have to measure up to the average intelligence of the genera- 
tion in which you live ; if you intend to be very successful you 
will have to measure beyond it. And hence the education 
which schools like Mr. Peirce's Business College furnishes 
gives you the ground-work — not that it will finish you — but 
give you that on which you can build up a structure better 
than those of a preceding generation. 

However, my business is to introduce, and if I keep on I 
will be making a speech. After the next interlude I will have 
the pleasure of introducing to you the gentleman who is to 
make the annual address. (^Applause) 



OF 

INTRODUCING 

Dp, Flail. 



We, in America, are so apt to think that everything we 
own belongs to us, that all our greatness has grown up upon 
our own soil like the forest trees which we inherit, that we are 
prone to forget how much we owe to the' other side. We are 
apt to forget that in all the years past, down to the present 
time, how many valuable endowments we have received in 
intellect and in wealth. In the settlement of this State, there 
were three races who were the prominent and most numerous 
settlers. First were the Quakers from England; second, the 
Germans ; and third, a race not least, called the Scotch-Irish, 
because they were Scotch who for a generation or two had 
lived in Ireland and then came to America. 

Now, you think this is a queer introduction, but I want 
to say for that Scotch-Irish race in Pennsylvania that it has 
been notable in its history. It is a fact that it formed the 
principal part of Washington's Pennsylvania Continental line; 
it is a fact that, since that time, their descendants have fur- 
nished to the Bench, to the Bar and to the Pulpit many of its 
most distinguished lights. 

We have to-night with us a gentleman — one of its repre- 
sentatives — who did not come so early as those I have spoken 
of, but who has adapted himself to this country, and who to-day 
is looked upon as one of the most distinguished orators of the 
pulpit of New York. I have the pleasure of introducing to 
you the Rev. Dr. Hall, of New York. [Applause) 



IBiographiieal Sl^Qt©h| 
cJohm tia.ll. 



Doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, celebrated divine, late chancellor 
of the University of New York, orator, author. 

This learned gentleman and eminent clergyman was born in 
County Armagh, Ireland, of Scottish ancestry, July 31, 1829. He 
entered Belfast College at the age of thirteen, and, notwithstanding his 
extreme youth, was repeatedly Hebrew prize man. He was licensed to 
preach, and at once engaged in labor as missionary in the west of Ireland. 
In 1852 he was installed pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Armagh, 
and in 1858 was called to the Church of Mary's Abbey (now Rutland 
Square) in Dublin. He was ever an earnest friend of popular education, 
and received, from the Queen of England and Empress of India, the 
honorary appointment of Commissioner of Education for Ireland. 

In 1867 he was a delegate from the general assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church in Ireland to the Presbyterian Churches in the United 
States, and after his return he received a call to the Fifth Avenue Pres- 
byterian Church in New York, which he accepted, entering upon his 
labors on November 3, 1867. In 1875 a new church edifice was erected 
for him at a cost of about $1,000,000. It is on the corner of Fifth avenue 
and Fifty-fifth street, New York city. 

In 1882 he was elected Chancellor of the University of the City of 
New York, discharging the duties without any salary. He was elected 
to deliver the funeral sermon of Chief Justice Chase, who belonged to a 
different denomination. 

Doctor Hall was the author of " Family Prayers for Four Weeks " 
(New York, 1868); "Papers for Home Reading" (1871) ; "Familiar 
Talks to Boys ; " " Questions of the Day " (1873) "> " God's Word through 
Preaching;" "Lyman Beecher Lectures at Yale Seminary" (1875); 
" Foundation Stones for Young Builders " (Philadelphia, 1880), and " A 
Christian Home, How to Make, and How to Maintain It " (1883). 

N. H. 



y\qqual /Lddross 
Jolqq Hall, ID, ID., Lb. JD., 

Chancellor of the University of New York. 



On one occasion a gentleman waited upon me, telling me 
that he desired an address under particular circumstances 
and stating that he did not expect it or desire it to be as good 
as the sermons that I preached, and I naturally told him that 
if it was not as good as the sermons, then it would not be 
worth speaking to the people. Then he tried the persuasive 
method, and he said he thought it would be very acceptable 
if I were to put into it some of my native humor. Now, it is 
a very difficult thing in these days to know in either man or 
woman what is native, because education and art have done so 
much for many of us as to conceal the native. But I felt 
bound to tell him that, as far as I knew, I did not possess any 
of that native humor, and that, therefore, it would be impos- 
sible for me to comply with his request and put it into the 
address. 

It is said of one of my countrymen, whose name is known 
to many — Sheridan — that upon one occasion he told a politi- 
cal opponent, named Dundas, that for his wit he had drawn 
altogether upon his memory and for his facts he had drawn 
upon his imagination. Now, I fear very much that that is my 
condition, and that for any native humor I shall be obliged to 
draw upon my memory. In fact, if anybody could satisfy me 
that I possessed the native humor, I should be willing to 
guarantee him a free ticket to all the lectures that I should 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 89 

ever deliver, and if I could remember it I would direct my 
executors to present him with a complete copy of all my 
works, particularly the works in which the native humor made 
its appearance. 

I do not expect accordingly to interest those to whom I 
have the opportunity to speak to-night in either of the ways 
thus indicated to me, but if I did possess imagination, and if 
I had a vigorous memory, and if I were capable of awakening 
the deepest interest in this large audience, then I would be 
very glad to bring these various faculties into use, in order to 
make the minutes that I am to occupy at once agreeable and 
interesting, and especially useful to the many students that are 
gathered together here this evening. 

Some of you, I dare say, have heard of the good, thrifty 
mother, who had a considerable number of children, and 
who was in the habit of giving them a general whipping 
on Monday morning, upon the ground that they would 
be sure to need it sometime or other during the week, 
and in that way she was able, so she supposed, to save 
time. {Laughter!) 

Now I make a sort of a general apology at the beginning, 
by stating that, instead of possessing the native humor, I have 
a certain native directness. I suppose it is because I have 
taught myself to write, in a good degree, that I do not make 
any flourishes with the pen. I find in walking along the 
streets that I do not make a right angle at the corner of every 
street, which is the proper street etiquette, but I take a direct, 
short way. When gentlemen, whom we sometimes hear speak, 
talk about certain interlocutory observations, my tendency is 
to save my breath by calling it roundabout talk. This is, I 
think, the thing which is native to me. I am something like 
the gentleman of whom, I dare say, some of you have heard, 
who had a certain natural deformity which carried his head 
entirely to one side, so it was about in that way (indicating.) 
On one occasion he was at a fox hunt, and he was not a very 
competent rider, possibly. The result was his horse threw 



190 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

him into a deep muddy ditch, and there he was found by the 
country people who were watching the fox hunt. They very 
kindly took him out of the ditch. His mouth was completely 
filled with the muddy water and dirt, but they supposed his 
life was seriously in danger. Seeing his head went down in 
that way (indicating), they took it for granted that there was 
the injury and so they set themselves to pulling the head 
straight as thoroughly as they could. His mouth was too 
well filled with mud to permit him to give any lengthy expla- 
nation, but he called out just as well as he could : " Born so ! 
born so !" and the story got abroad and that became the sobri- 
quet of the man ; ever after in that neighborhood they spoke 
of him as " Born so." (Laughter and applause)) 

Well, now, that is the apology that I make to you all here 
to-night for speaking with simple directness the few things I 
have to say, and if there be lacking the native humor, you will 
bear in mind I am proceeding simply in the line upon which 
it is easy and natural for me to proceed. 

First of all, I want to congratulate those young ladies and 
gentlemen who have completed their course in this Business 
College and who are now about entering upon other depart- 
ments of the duty of life, and I congratulate their kindred and 
friends who are here. I heard a president of a college yesterday 
make a little address, in which he made this opening statement: 
" I have no doubt," he said, " there are many fathers here whose 
sons are graduating, and they feel a great deal, though they 
do not say much, and I am sure there are a good many 
mothers here who feel a great interest in the young gentlemen 
who are graduating, and they feel a great deal and they say a 
great deal, too." Well, I congratulate the parents, no less than 
the young gentlemen themselves, and I would be very glad, 
indeed, if the words that are spoken with direct bearing in the 
first instance upon those who are to graduate should have any 
direct bearing upon the thinking and planning for the future 
of those who still continue to be students in this institution. 
In a gathering like this there are two classes of persons usually 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. I9I 

represented. In the first place, there is a class composed of 
those who have settled upon the line of duty that they are to 
prosecute through life, and there is a class whose members are 
looking out and considering what they are to be in days to 
come. There are many of both classes, I have no doubt, in 
this gathering to-night. There are young gentlemen, for 
example, who have still the question before their minds whether 
they are to be dry goods men or bank directors, as there are 
a great many, I have no doubt, who have chosen their vocation 
and are thinking of the way in which they can best employ 
the talents committed to them in order to achieve success in 
that particular department. 

Now, the speaking ought to have some bearing on both 
of these classes; it ought to be in the direction of helping 
those who have their selections to make, and it ought to be in 
the direction of assisting those who have made their selections 
already so as to encourage the doing of the duties they have 
taken up and the more successful performance of the engage- 
ments to which they are committed. There is a wide difference, 
as is known to some at least upon this platform, between the 
condition of things in this matter of employment in this 
continent and the condition that prevails in the older continent 
of Europe. Here it is not a difficult thing to go from one 
department of labor to another. It is a very difficult thing to 
do that upon the other side of the ocean. I suppose there are, 
as happens with competing systems of human affairs, some 
advantages connected with both of these arrangements. You 
know in our free country you can readily pass from one rail- 
road car into another if you please. In the old world you are 
put into your own particular apartment, and there you are 
expected to remain until you reach your journey's end. The 
railroads in the two countries are types in some degree of the 
usages of the people in these two countries. I think the 
temptation of the people in this country is sometimes — it being 
so easy to get into another line of life — to get careless in the 
line in which we are now, as though we said to ourselves, " I 



192 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXFRCISES. 

needn't be troubled very much whether this thing succeeds or 
not in my hands ; if it doesn't, I can go into some other 
department of industry." On the other hand, in Great Britain 
and the old world generally, there is a sort of constant pressure 
on a man's mind. He says, " I am bound to make this thing 
succeed, if it can be done, because if I fail in this I am supposed 
to fail altogether." 

I dare say some of you are acquainted with a very valu- 
able book, a good translation of which is published by a 
publishing house in this city. I allude to Le Play, upon the 
organization of labor. He commits himself to this statement, 
that in Great Britain one of the reasons why such marked 
success is achieved in some particular departments of art, 
mechanics, etc., is that it is such a common thing for father, 
son, grandson, and so on, to keep upon the same line of 
industry. The consequence is there is a certain family pride 
in making the thing successful, and the son inherits, in some 
degree, from those who have preceded him, a taste and 
capacity for the particular work which he has in hand. In 
both these systems, therefore, there are some gains, differing 
in the one case from the other ; but I cannot but think that 
the balance is, in- a good degree, in favor of our taking up a 
thing, taking it up solely and deliberately, and, having taken 
it up, to do it with our might, as though that were the thing 
to which we were committed in the providence of God for our 
whole lifetime. 

Now, I have not the least doubt there are a great many 
to whom I have the pleasure to speak at this time, for example, 
the graduates of this institution, who have passed out of the 
years of mere girlhood and boyhood, and have come nearly to 
the years of maturity. The years that are past they remem- 
ber, and they have in a good degree profited by. They have 
been brought out of that dead past, and now they are waiting 
for some strong voice that will say in relation to them, " Loose 
them and let them go," and the question is to what are they 
to go. 



I'EIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 93 

There is a certain force, under which a great many human 
beings are continuously found, called by the Latin phrase vis 
inertice, the power of doing nothing. Now, it is not in the 
least degree useful to speak to those who are under this vis 
inertice — to talk to them about human pursuits. Why, they 
have no idea of pursuing anything. Human pursuits involve 
the exercise of will, the putting forth of energy, the making 
of a choice and the moving in the direction of that choice; 
but they who are under this powerful and mischievous force 
never think of moving at all. You might as well talk to the 
new City Hall here about pursuit as to talk to them. They do 
not mean to pursue ; they stand still. They are somewhat 
like oysters, which I dare say rest at the first point where they 
happen to touch the bottom as they are going down. I am 
not speaking to that class to-night. If there are any who are 
under this vis inertice, I say to you the first thing you can do, 
the first thing you are bound to do, is to get from under that 
power. In this community, in this nation, you must move, 
you must move forward with will of purpose and concentrated 
energy, if you are to make anything of yourself and be felt for 
good in the community. And yet I would not for a single 
moment convey the idea that mere motion is necessarily pro- 
gress or advancement. Almost every day my eye rests, in the 
city where I live, on the spire of a church on the Fifth avenue 
of that city, ornamented by a brilliant, gilded, yellow cock. 
That cock is on the very top of the spire. Whenever there is 
a light wind, it is in continual motion, but it is not pursuing 
anything ; it is not moving anything ; it is not advancing in 
the least degree. It is possible to have a certain degree of 
movement, and yet have no progress. We have all seen, and 
some of us have enjoyed that fine institution, the New Eng- 
land rocking-chair. You get into it, and you swing to and 
fro in the most easy and graceful way. You are in motion all 
the time, but you are not making any progress whatever. Now 
what we w r ant is not only to have people who have escaped 
from this law of vis inertia, but people who are moving with 



194 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

a will, on a plan, with a definite purpose, moving forward, and 
in the direction in which it is good for them, and safe for them, 
and honorable to them, and for the benefit of the community, 
that they should keep moving. {Applause}) 

There are certain things that I would venture to indicate 
as being necessary to the young, and here we include the 
graduates of this institution, who have looked forward to the 
pursuits that are to occupy them, and which they will find 
it necessary to keep in their minds if they would be successful 
upon the lines on which they intend to move. The first of 
these things that I wish to indicate may be described by the 
word "adaptation." I remember many years ago knowing a 
young clergyman in the old world and in a place where 
family ecclesiastical livings were sometimes possessed, and he 
had chosen the profession of the church as his. He was 
afflicted with an extremely bad stammering voice ; it was so 
bad that absolutely if he was repeating the Lord's Prayer you 
couldn't be very sure of what the particular thing was he was 
saying ; but there was some hope for him, because there was 
the family living to which I have alluded. There was a lack 
of physical adaptation to the particular work that he contem- 
plated for his life. There may be a lack of mental adaptation. 

I have heard of a young gentleman whose father was a 
banker. His son went into the bank under the father's care. 
He got on very well in keeping the books, making reckon- 
ings, etc., until the end of the year came, and then it was 
necessary to have the balance sheet completed. That involved 
going over the whole of the books and seeing that the debtor 
and creditor accounts exactly agreed, and it so happened that 
there was a mistake of three pence on one side or the other. 
The father said, " You must go over the books until you see 
where the mistake is ; they must be brought out with absolute 
correctness." " Why, father," said the boy, " what is the use 
of taking all that trouble for three pence ? Why, I will give it 
myself and save aH the trouble." And the father instantly 
concluded that a boy that was capable of such a thing as that 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 95 

was not the boy to bring up in a bank, and he said, " My son, 
you may leave the bank ; I will put you to college, and I will 
prepare you for the church." (Laughter) 

If we are to succeed in the work we take up, we must 
look to this matter of adaptation. Sometimes physical con- 
siderations come into play, sometimes purely mental consid- 
ations, but let me say to you, young ladies and gentlemen, 
you are to use common sense in this matter. You are to avail 
yourself of the best counsel you can get, and you will get no 
more disinterested counsellors than your fathers and mothers. 
And finally, I would like to say this in solemn earnestness : 
There is a Father in Heaven. Go to Him and ask Him, and 
if He will only lead you, then you will be in the way in which 
power will not be lost and time will not be wasted. You will 
be in the way in which you will have peace, happiness, pros- 
perity and honor. 

A second consideration which ought to be before the 
mind of those that are choosing their future is the matter 
which I shall call harmlessness. Endeavor to get into a posi- 
tion where your success will not involve anything injurious to 
your fellow-creatures round about. If I should become a 
gambler, any profits that I make are at the direct loss of some- 
body else who happens to be my victim. The man who sets 
up a sample room and who makes money by it, is making it 
at the cost of a certain number of his fellow-creatures. 

Have you ever seen a keeper of a saloon when some one 
has taken so much drink that he can no longer be kept in the 
place, and the saloon-keeper takes the disturber out of the 
door, and perhaps to keep him from falling directly in front of 
the place, tries to balance him up against the wall. He has 
made some money by the man with whom he has been trad- 
ing, but the man has been losing ; he has been gaining some- 
thing, but there is his victim. (Applause) 

When you are choosing your pursuits in life, try to choose 
such that they will be, to say the least, harmless ; that you 
will not be gaining by the loss of others ; but that instead, 



ICp ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

you will be doing good to others, while you are yourself reap- 
ing solid advantages. And yet upon this subject there is a 
necessity to utter a word of caution. Men can be in their 
life benefactors of their fellow-men in two ways. They can be 
so voluntarily, and they can be so involuntarily. I want you 
to be benefactors voluntarily. You know well how many 
there are that take pains to do good around about them. 
They do not think of themselves only, but they think of their 
own kindred, their neighbors, and their fellow-creatures ; they 
mean to be a blessing to those round about them. Can you 
not understand very well the case of a young girl who has 
been living in comfort and even in luxury with a lady who 
gives her steady employment, a happy home, and many indul- 
gences, but she has a sister, a weak and sickly invalid at home 
without any care, and she says : " Happy as this place is and 
pleasing as it is, I must give it up, and I must trust to what 
work I can get from the stores, that I may make money 
enough and go home and live with this poor invalid sister and 
give her the care that she needs ? " I have known of such cases. 
There is voluntary good to those about us. There is One in 
Heaven who approves of such deeds. Angels, too, must rejoice 
over such men or women, who have angelic dispositions, and 
must say in their hearts, " Well done." I want you to aim at 
this voluntary goodness. I want you to aim at shaping your 
lives in such a way, with steady purpose and determined will, 
that you shall seek to promote the good of others. {Ap- 
plause.) 

There is such a thing as involuntary service to our fel- 
low-men. Take the case of men in certain lines of trade and 
business. They need people to be employed by them upon a 
large scale. They could not make their money if they did 
not employ upon a large scale, and they are doing good to 
those whom they employ, but they are doing it involuntarily. 
They are doing it because they want to advance their own 
interests, and they do not experience the gratitude of men, 
nor can we believe, the approval of Deity, that will come in 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. I97 

the case I have mentioned. They cannot help being the occa- 
sion of a certain degree of good to their fellow-creatures, but 
men do not thank them for that. We do not thank the whale 
for the products that are taken out of his body ; we do not 
thank the oil-well for the petroleum that can be gained from 
its depths. These are things where there is no will in the 
matter. Now, I want you to make it a plan and purpose in 
your career that you will be voluntary benefactors of your 
fellow-creatures, not merely doing them no harm while you 
advance your own interests, but positively doing them good, 
making your own welfare a matter inferior to the use of your 
opportunities to do good, not forgetting that with such sacri- 
fices God is well pleased. 

The third element I would indicate, which should be 
enlisted in the determination of different men's pursuits, I 
shall call by the word " Occupation," by which I mean 
employment of all the powers and faculties that the Creator 
has given to us. I used to notice for many years after coming 
to live in this land, soon after the war, the great number of 
men that one occasionally saw, maimed on the battle-field, 
some without an arm, some without a limb ; and it was impos- 
sible to keep down the feeling of pity for them. Only a part 
of them, so to speak, remained to do the duties and to bear the 
burdens of life. Now, I tell you there are many people, so to 
speak, self-maimed. They are so employed that only a part of 
their nature, only a part of their powers really comes into play. 
There is where it seems to me it would be of such very great 
moment to get books and instruction, particularly for those 
who are what are called the working classes. I do not admit 
the justice of the description. I belong to the working class, 
and so do most of those who are on this platform. But I 
speak now of those who are engaged in mechanical pursuits, 
and to whom it is a real kindness to bring such means, in this 
form or that, as will bring more than their mere mechanical 
powers into play. I do not wonder that many of them become 
•discontented. They are not heads ; they are not hearts ; they 



igS ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

are mere " hands," and are treated as mere hands. What we 
want to do, what good men have to try to do, what it is their 
duty to humanity to do, is to get all the powers of these 
human beings so occupied that they will not be mere hands, 
but heads and hearts, and also entire human beings, with 
all their powers at work, and all consecrated to the highest 
and noblest uses. {Applause}) 

Now, if you want to have this occupation, this complete 
employment of the whole man, then I think you will see that 
there is occasion for me to speak a word as a minister ; and I 
am sure that you will not be displeased with me for putting in. 
a word that is proper to be spoken by a minister. Young 
people, girls and boys, maidens and young men, you and I are 
not mere matter; we are minds and matter. We are not mere 
bodies ; we are souls and bodies. We are not mere creatures 
here independent; we are creatures belonging to the Creator, 
and when we are selecting the pursuits of our lives, let us try to 
select them in such a way that there will be occupation for the 
whole of us, body and mind ; for the soul in relation to the 
Creator as for the body in relation to the creatures round about 
us. That involves thinking of the future ; that involves con- 
ception of eternity ; that involves memory of the Creator ; 
that involves the putting of our poor, weak human nature in 
the hands of Him who formed us, asking Him that He would 
help us, that He would teach us, that He would guide us, and 
that He would give us employment in His noble and blessed 
service. That involves the preparation for the life that is to 
come ; and it follows, therefore, that in making our selections 
of pursuits in life, we should settle upon nothing that will be 
unfavorable to this thought of Deity and of eternity with 
which necessarily we have to do. I know that this is a doc- 
trine that is many times forgotten ; I know that it is looked 
upon by some as useless, but if there is anything upon which 
we can rely, it is the safety of following such a course. 

I read an article the other day, bearing on this subject, 
which was to this effect : " Had you not better go and tell the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 1 99 

chickens that they ought not to be so cheerful as they are now, 
because Thanksgiving Day is coming, and they will soon feel 
the knife of the murderer ; or, if they should be spared over 
Thanksgiving, Christmas is not very far away, and their 
blood will be shed then ? Had you not better go tell that to 
the roosters, so that they may not be too happy ? " You and I 
can laugh for a moment at that caricature, for it was intended 
to be a caricature ; it was intended to throw ridicule upon the 
effort to make men think seriously about the future ; it was 
intended to turn to ridicule such inspired words as you read 
in the Bible [Isaiah xxxii. 1 1], " Tremble, ye women that are 
at ease." 

I ask you, young men and maidens, to think for a moment. 
If you were a mere body, a creature with no future after death, 
if there were nothing of you but this material structure, then 
it would be childish, not to say cruel, to interpose between 
you and any joys that were open to you and me. But to take 
a word that some of us have used in another connection, " I 
am no chicken." We are not like roosters. We are immortal 
in our nature; we will live forever; we have an eternal being 
with which to do, and so it is wise, it is safe, it is right in the 
nature of things — when we are determining what our pur- 
suit shall be for the future — to see that it shall be such as will 
occupy the whole man, body and spirit, not only in view of 
the life that now is, but in view of the great life that is to 
come, 

Now, taken in connection with the statement that has 
already been made, that we ought to consider not merely that 
we shall not do evil, but that we shall do good, you have these 
four things which should be borne in mind in choosing your 
pursuit of life : there ought to be adaptation ; there ought to 
be harmlessness ; there ought to be complete occupation, and 
there ought to be real usefulness. Given these four conditions, 
keeping them in your thoughts, determine, in view of them, 
what you are to do, looking upward to the guidance of Christ, 
and I have no fear about the results of the choice to which 



200 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

you shall be committed. If, on the other hand, we go to work 
and disregard considerations like these, it is reasonably true 
that we shall be betrayed into practical errors and mistakes. 

They have a story about a procession that was passing 
along one of the roads in the north of England. A great 
banner was flung up in front of the procession, and it had the 
word " Independent " in large letters upon it. There was a 
couple of Englishmen who thought they made out this word 
" Independent," but they were not very sure about its meaning. 
One said to the other, " John, what do you think is the mean- 
ing of that word ' independent ? ' ' John looked a little while 
and reflected. " Why," said he, " to be sure, you know, inde- 
pendent. That means not to be depended upon." {Latighter) 
Now, I tell you there are very many who suppose that they 
can strike out in life upon an independent basis. They can 
take care of themselves ; they know what to do with them- 
selves ; they know their powers ; they know how to make the 
most of things ; they claim that they are independent, but do 
they want to prove that the word means with them not to be 
depended upon ? 

A countryman of mine, of whom I spoke before, Sheridan, 
I am sorry to say did not have much money ; as a general 
thing he had not any, and as a general thing he had a great 
many debts, and as a consequence his son Tom was very 
poorly educated, indeed, and had very great disadvantages in 
starting in life, but he saw what his father's career had been, and 
so he said to his father one day, " I am going to enter political 
life. I am going to Parliament, and I am going on an inde- 
pendent basis." " What party will you join ?" said his father. 
" Why," said he, " I shall go to serve the parties that will pay 
me best. It will be as if I put on my forehead, ' To Let.' " 
" Yes, Tom," said his father, with the wit that characterized him, 
" Yes, Tom ; and you may write under that, ' Unfurnished.' " 
(Laughter and applause}) 

I tell you that that is the way now with not a few of the 
independents starting in life, — " To let, unfurnished." Now, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 201 

I want you to go out furnished — furnished as to brains, fur- 
nished as to heart, furnished as to hand, furnished in disposition, 
furnished with those capacities that will enable you to live in 
peace with your fellow-creatures, furnished with that sweet 
reasonableness that will make it easy for others to work with 
you, and furnished with that thought of the Supreme Being 
which will enable you to appreciate that you owe all your 
blessings to Him, furnished with the mind and faculty to do 
the duties that are given to you in your lives. 

There are, alas ! how many of all sorts in the great cities, 
especially boys and young men, who make radical mistakes at 
the very outset. There are young men who, if trained to be 
farmers, would be competent, but no ! that seems too dull and 
laborious work. They go to the great cities. They are going 
to make their pile, and they make the attempt ; but it is most 
humiliating to know what a large proportion of these ambitious 
ones make a failure of it. There are young men who would do 
well in retail business, but they think it is not respectable, and 
too slow a way of making money, who plunge into the wholesale 
business, without any experience in it, alongside of men who 
have been in the business all their lives, and the result is, in 
a good many cases, that the descent is just about as quick as 
the ascent. He finds himself down in that class of poultry 
that are sometimes described as " lame ducks," and it is a most 
difficult thing to get out of that position when once you have 
gone down to it. Young men should move slowly, move 
cautiously, rather taking time than running in haste and run- 
ning risks. Be content, and keep on the safe side. They say, 
in the matter of the lending of money, that " high interest 
means low security." And precisely so ; great haste to 
acquire riches very frequently results in a humiliating descent 
into distress and poverty. 

You know, by name at least, such a man as Huxley. 
Many of his thoughts have obtained wide circulation. When 
he gets into the department of theology I attach very little 
importance, indeed, to what he teaches, but when he contents 



202 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

himself with reporting his observations of the actual facts of 
nature itself he is in a department in which he has rendered 
great and signal service. He gives a description of a thing 
that you or I have seen many times in the autumn. Upon a 
pane of glass in a window that is not carefully cleaned from 
day to day you will sometimes see the dead body of a fly 
attached to the glass, and round about the dead body of the 
fly you will see a little circle of whitish matter. The elements 
in it are too small to be appreciated by the naked eye, but 
there the poor fly remains with this little circle round about 
him. He describes that in this way, that there is an organism 
smaller still than the fly that gets inside its body and it 
increases and goes through it — increases so that it sends out 
its spores. It consumes the very vitals of the fly, and, not 
content with that, it pierces its body and sends out its spores, 
which compose the whitish circle we see around about the 
dead fly. 

I tell you there is something like that realized in poor 
human nature. Evil traits once taking possession of us will 
increase and multiply until they kill everything good in us, 
until they kill the life that is in us, and when our nature has 
become as it were a mere shell, they force themselves out, giv- 
ing the indication of the moral ruin which they have wrought. 
Young men, beware of success that comes in this way. It is 
not at all an uncommon thing to hold up before young men as 
a model of a successful man one who has acquired great 
wealth. Where was the success ? The answer is, " Why he 
began with little or nothing, or with less than nothing in some 
instances, and now can count his millions." I tell you, young 
men, there are not a few so-called successful men who had 
better be held up as warnings than as examples that you 
should imitate and try to emulate. What is it that makes true 
and real success ? What is the ideal that we ought to have 
before us? Is it the possession of vast sums of gold? If 
you are betrayed into this mistake, if you fall down and worship 
the golden image in your youth, do not wonder if you go 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 203 

through the wilderness of life unhappy, No : that is not suc- 
cess by any means. Success is to do the duties the Creator 
gives us to do, to fill the place in which he puts us, to confer 
blessings on our fellow-men round about us, to reflect upon 
others some of the goodness God has reflected upon us. This 
is success, though we be poor and unnoticed and unknown. 
{Applause) 

I remember once having a conversation with a man who 
has been put in the books as one of these successful men. He 
had realized a large fortune. The British Queen once went 
out of her way to pay a complimentary visit to this man of 
marked success. He talked frankly and simply to me. He 
said, " They tell how rich I am and how much money I have. 
I tell you I never have been so happy a man as when I was 
honestly earning, from day to day, three hundred pounds a 
year (say fifteen hundred dollars a year in our money), and 
with that I was supporting my widowed mother and helping 
my brother and sisters. I never have been so happy as when 
that was my position." {Applause) 

No, no, success is not reckoned by the millions a man 
has acquired. One may have become rich whose career has 
seemed a poor, miserable failure. Rank! and riches! These 
are the two rails along which it is supposed by some every 
train is now to run. I tell you there are more wrecks on the 
railroad constructed in that way than upon any railroad ever 
built through this broad land. If you work the good work 
of righteousness, making use of your powers in obedience to 
Him, you have a true and real success here, and a success that 
stretches onward into the great eternity which is before you 
and me. [Great applause) 



y\ddposs 
F^pir^eipal Tl^orqas .Alay I^oipeo 

TO THE 

(Spadiaatir^g ©lass. 



This diploma certifies that you have successfully com- 
pleted the course of business training prescribed by Peirce 
College of Business, and that you have been found proficient 
in the several branches embraced in the curriculum, and we 
commend you to the favorable consideration of those engaged 
in commercial and general business vocations. 

I congratulate you on having successfully completed the 
course of training prescribed in the institution of which I am 
principal. But let me warn you that, however complete that 
preparation may be, unless you do justly, love mercy, and 
walk humbly before God, your success will not be assured. 

I commend you to the words of wisdom that you will 
hear from the Rev. Dr. Peck, who has been chosen to make 
the more formal address to the graduates. 



ISiographjioal Sl^Qt©]^ 
doqas Oparqol I°o©l^. 



Doctor of divinity, great revivalist, missionary secretary of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

It is encouraging to resolute youth and struggling manhood to 
know that many of the greatest names in history, and of the most useful 
and distinguished men of our day (in every calling), began life in humble 
conditions, and achieved success or fame by dint of unflagging industry, 
indomitable perseverance and steadfast religious principle. These 
means are perennial and sure, being " from the Father of light, with 
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." 

Reverend J. O. Peck, D. D., is a shining example of the truth of 
the above statement. He was born in Groton, Vermont, September 4, 
1836, and lost his Christian mother when he was but eight years old. 
He was never "a wayward youth," but was converted when twenty 
years of age. On September 15, 1856, in a thunder storm while alone 
on the mountain, he was genuinely awakened and born again. Imme- 
diately he felt the call to preach the Gospel, and he betook himself to 
Newbury Seminary, in his native State, to prepare for college. He 
worked and taught school, alternately with attendance upon the Semi- 
nary, until he entered Amherst College, as sophomore, in 1859. 

While in college, as junior, in i860, he was pastor of a little church 
in Amherst, which paid him the munificent salary of two hundred and 
eighty-five dollars, with which, he says, " I was content." In that year 
his church membership increased largely, and he was able to pay all his 
college expenses out of his salary. In his senior year he was pastor at 
Chicopee Falls, " driving seventeen miles on Saturday afternoon, and 
back again early Monday morning." He graduated with good standing, 
in 1862, and his pastorates have been successively, Mount Bellingham, 
Chelsea (Mass.); Northern Street, Lowell; Grace Church, Worcester; 
Trinity, Springfield ; Centenary, Chicago ; Mount Vernon Place, Balti- 
more ; Saint John's, and Hanson Place, Brooklyn ; Trinity, New Haven ;. 
and Simpson Church, Brooklyn. 



206 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

In 1888 the General Conference elected him corresponding secre- 
tary of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to 
which eminent position he was re-elected in 1892. Doctor Peck was 
pre-eminently famous as a pastor, always drawing large congregations, 
and his ministry was everywhere attended with powerful and sweeping 
revivals. As missionary secretary he has met the best expectations of 
the Church which called him into this conspicuous office. His power and 
eloquence in the pulpit and on the platform are well known throughout 
the republic. 

N. H. 



t /\ddrQSS to C^radiaatos 
F{qV. J. O. Poel^, ID. 3D. 



Mr, President, Principal Peirce, Graduates, Ladies 
and Gentlemen: — If all Irishmen were as grand specimens as 
the distinguished Irishman who has addressed you to-night 
with wit, wisdom and eloquence, the Home Rule Bill would 
pass the British Parliament by acclamation in ten minutes. 
But the best Irishmen always come to America — and some of 
the other sort. Those that remain in the Green Isle, however, 
have a good deal of the Fourth of July in them. Despite 
wealth, and rank, and aristocracy, one day, some Liberty Bell 
will " ring out the old and ring in the new," and Irish Inde- 
pendence will be an accomplished fact. For they will outwit 
or outgeneral their opponents somehow. An Irishman can 
outwit anybody. I heard an illustration of that the other 
day. 

Pat and Mike were sworn friends, like David and Jona- 
than. So deep was their affection that they took a mutual 
oath before the priest that whoever died first the other should 
place $500 in the coffin of the departed friend in token of the 
strength of his love. Mike died first. The priest, soon after, 
went to see the disconsolate survivor, and asked, " Pat, did 
you put the $500 in Mike's coffin ?" " An shure I did, yer 
riverence." " That's right, Pat. How did you put it in — in 
bills or coin ? " " Nather, yer riverence. I put in a check 
payable to the order of the corpse ! " (Laughter?) 

But I forgot, I am not addressing a Home Rule meeting 
to-night ; and yet a second thought assures me I am, for where 



208 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

so many ladies are there are the Home Rulers. And any man 
who does not quickly and quietly concede his wife home rule, 
and gracefully accept his normal position as lieutenant-gover- 
nor of the house, is a fool ! I will prove that statement by 
one of the three following reasons : Such a man is a fool, fast, 
because he does not know that his proper sphere in the home 
is only lieutenant-governor ; or, secondly, because he does not 
know enough to select a wife who is competent to be gov- 
ernor of the home; or, thirdly, because he does not know 
enough to know that she will be the governor of the home, 
and him too, whatever he does. Now, you will naturally 
understand by this that I have been well disciplined and well 
brought up. I was wise at the start. I never make any such 
mistake as a distinguished preacher did the other day at 
Wellesley College, when, addressing five hundred young ladies, 
he opened his manuscript and began reading with unction — 
My Dear Brethren. {Laughter and applause^) 

Do not think I have lost my reckoning. I am aware that 
I am to address to-night the graduates of Peirce's Business 
College, City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, United 
States of America — the superbest Business College in the 
land, located in the loveliest city, in the grandest nation of the 
world. I am aware of all this, and am getting around to my 
subject as fast as I can, considering the exhilarating influence 
of Irish eloquence ; the bewildering fascination of so many 
home rulers ; the lateness of the hour, and the melting charms 
of the atmosphere upon my manifold susceptibilities. I am 
somewhat flustered, but not as badly confused as the valet of a 
New York rector was on a certain occasion. A lord bishop 
of* England was visiting the rector, and he wished to show the 
distinguished ecclesiastic every possible courtesy. Hence he 
instructed the valet to address the bishop as " My lord." He 
continued : "At eight o'clock in the morning you will tap at 
his door. He will ask, 'Who is there?' You will reply in 
most respectful low tones, ' The boy, my lord.'" He repeated 
over and over his lesson that night in mellifluous tones, " The 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 20O, 

boy, my lord." The next morning he tapped at the door. 
" Who is there ? " " The Lord, my boy ! " {Hilarious laugh- 
ter) 

This introductory skirmishing before the battle is simply 
a trick of oratory to put the audience and speaker in sympathy. 
I feel perfectly in sympathy with you— in fact, have great 
sympathy for you — and will now proceed to my address, inter- 
polating a little more " introduction," now and, before — mid- 
night ! {Laughter) 

Young ladies and gentlemen of the graduating class : this 
hour is in your honor ; this magnificent audience showers 
benedictions on you; this address is the valedictory word of 
the College, through me to you, whose diplomas you have 
honorably earned. You have finished your school-days. The 
ordinary educational advantages you have pursued and the 
technical education of this College you have now enjoyed 
specially fit you for the lines of business which you may pur- 
sue- More and more the professional and commercial activi- 
ties are falling into specialities. Hence the need for special 
training for specific vocations. This you have now fulfilled. 
But a larger problem now rises before you : how to make use 
of your technical education most successfully. You have had 
the implements of business put into your hands. My duty is 
to endeavor to make some suggestions that may help you to 
use those implements to good effect. My theme is 

WINNING FORCES IN MANHOOD. 

I cannot discuss them all in half an hour. I can only 
briefly touch three or four. I shall assume that you have 
chosen your vocation, and have chosen one that is honorable, 
one that will challenge every noble faculty of mind and heart; 
one that will command the confidence of your fellow-men ; 
one that will invoke the benedictions of God upon your best- 
conceived and best-sustained endeavors. In such a vocation 
you have the right to expect an honorable success. Whether 
you attain it depends upon several things — some under your 



2IO ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

control and others not-^but pre-eminently upon the forces of 
manhood which you put into your vocation. If you put into 
life the winning forces you will be certain that you deserve 
success. And the probabilities are in your favor that you will 
become, what the Irishman described the Hoosac Tunnel to 
be, "A great ornament to society." 

And the first winning force I shall name is 

AVAILABILITY. 

It is not ability but availability that wins the prize. 
Availability is the capacity to use to advantage all of one's 
powers. You see men of splendid abilities who can never use 
them to any success. They are chronic failures. They have 
no availability. They do not know how to take hold of things 
by the handles. Their deficiency is in practical hard sense, in 
tact, in readiness to seize the present opportunity. They may 
have superior education added to natural abilities, but a college 
diploma — even from Peirce's College — does not assure success. 
An educated pig remains a pig. And an educated fool 
remains — himself. {Laughter) 

In a parish meeting in England a snobbish Lord made 
some proposition to which a farmer of sterling sense objected 
as absurd. The titled imbecile glowered on the objector, and 
pompously said : " Do you presume to object to my proposi- 
tion ? You are an ignorant farmer, and I have been educated, 
at two universities." " Well, what of that?" coolly rejoined, 
the farmer. " I had a calf oncethat sucked two cows, and 
the more he sucked the greater calf he grew !" No matter 
how many colleges you have graduated from, the age respects 
the man who can bring things to pass. Your best diploma is 
the book of acts. {Applause) 

No man can succeed without a chance, but the chance is 
useless unless one can avail himself of it. Hence the secret 
of availability is to train and prepare one's self, by doing reso- 
lutely and faithfully the humblest work, to seize the better 
opportunities and mount to success. Many young people. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 211 

want to begin at the top. Only men can hold the summit of 
success who have fought their way there from the bottom. 

Take hold of the humblest piece of work that comes 
along in your vocation, and push it to success as if it were the 
grandest thing you ever expected to do, and you will have 
higher work to do to-morrow. Use the first opportunity man- 
fully, and that will make a second opportunity. The young 
man who waits for the second opportunity to come first, will 
get left. Make yourself necessary in yonder store, office, or 
bank, and you will be wanted in higher positions and at higher 
salary. " The world is full of people who do things ' fairly 
well ; ' it is in daily and pressing need of those who do them 
1 supremely well.' " 

John Scott, afterward Lord Eldon, hung around the Court 
for years, doing the little things that fell to him, watching for 
a chance to employ his abilities. All those years of weary 
dullness, he studied incessantly, rising at four o'clock in the 
morning and continuing late into the night. One day an 
opportunity offered. He was equal to it. His availability 
showed itself. He won a brilliant triumph, and as he left the 
Court, an older lawyer touched him on the shoulder and said : 
" Young man, your bread and butter are made for life." Sure 
enough, for in five years his annual income was fifty thousand 
dollars. He had availability, that is, the ability to avail himself 
of his opportunity. Do not be particular where you take hold, 
but take hold with sand on your fingers. Many want easy 
situations, genteel work. They are too fastidious in taste. 
Business men who have worked their way up from porter to 
proprietor ; from fingers daubed with Peter Cooper's Glue to 
hands white enough with philanthropy to establish Cooper 
Institute ; from " printer's devil" to the founding and editing 
of the New York Tribune ; from cutting and hauling cord- 
wood into St. Louis to the great General of his age and hon- 
est President of his country, have no use for namby-pamby 
dudes whose hands are as soft as their brains ! There is no 
more place in the legitimate business world for commercial 



212 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

dandies than there would be in Dr. Hall's stalwart Fifth Ave- 
nue pulpit for the ministerial dude whose fastidiousness para- 
phrased the Scripture thus : " Jonah was three days and three 
nights in the whale's — society." {Laughter) 

You must have your resources available. Life is intense 
to-day. Everything moves with railroad rush and electric 
velocity. Business is epitomized at an Elevated Railway 
station. A train rushes up with a whiz. The gate swings 
open instantly, and the conductor stands with one hand on 
the gate and with the other on the bell-rope, shouting : " Step 
lively." In a twinkle there is a pull on the bell-rope, a slam 
of the gate, and the train is gone. " Step lively," is the 
quickstep to which you must dance attendance on business. 
The successful man lives with both eyes open and sleeps with 
one ajar, so that the golden opportunity shall not escape him. 
His perception is quick and accurate. Like intuition, his action 
follows his perception as the roar of thunder follows the flash 
of lightning. He perceives the hour of flood-tide and weighs 
anchor. His brain is always glowing, his will always impe- 
rious, his hand always ready. He drives business as the good 
engineer his locomotive, with his eye on the lookout and his 
hand on the throttle. He knows men, and how to use them — 
knows his opportunity and seizes it. {Applause) 

There is no use in quarrelling with common sense. If 
the world does not admire you and me, it is because they see 
nothing to admire in us, and they know more about it than 
we do. Everybody knows more than anybody. If you want 
the world to think you brilliant, wake up and do something 
brilliant. " If my people are sleepy," said Mr. Beecher, 
" Instead of sending a boy around to wake them up, the boy 
better come up and wake me up." And some ministers would 
keep the boy pretty busy all the time. {Laughter) 

Business is offering large premiums for available men. 
Live forces are all about us, and only live men can grapple 
with and economize them. Such men usually have no more 
than average ability, but they have large availability 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 21 3 

" Lose this day loitering, 'twill be the same story 
To-morrow, and the next more dilatory ; 
The indecision brings its own delays, 
And days are lost lamenting over days. 
Are you in earnest ? Seize this very minute. 
What you can do, or dream you can, begin it. 
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. 
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated, 
Begin, and then the work will be completed." 

This heated mind suggests the second winning force : — 

ENTHUSIASM. 

This is a fire that glows in every successful man. In fact, 
it is one of the strongest factors of success. A man without 
enthusiasm is an engine without steam. Your train won't 
move unless the water is boiling. Carry a full head of steam, 
young friends. Time and experience will tone down any 
excess. Don't bank the fires in your furnace. Don't try to 
be a conservative old man while you are young. Rather keep 
your furnace hot till old age, and imitate that grand old man 
who, approaching the eighties, rides at the front of the hottest 
battle in Great Britain during this generation, challenging the 
gaze of the world and shaking the Empire of Her Majesty 
with the force of his enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the driving 
force of character. There are energies slumbering in you that 
may prove mighty, if once kindled by enthusiasm. Enthusi- 
asm makes strong men ; wakes up latent powers ; arouses 
unsuspected resources of ability ; sustains prolonged endeavors, 
and renders possible the achievement of purposes demanding 
unwearied energies. It generates the invincible impulses that 
hurl manhood on noble achievements. Men of enthusiasm 
have been the life of church and state, science and philosophy, 
art and music, business and reform. No man accomplishes 
much without it ; all achieve more with it. {Applause.) 

Young friends, remember this next sentence, if you forget 
all else, for there is the " open secret " of success in it. Other 
things being equal, the degree of enthusiasm in any man is the 



214 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

precise measure of Ids aggressive, conquering power. Of two 
men precisely alike in every other quality, but one phlegmatic 
and cold, the other aglow with enthusiasm, the enthusiastic 
man has three chances of success to one of the former. A 
young man or woman without enthusiasm in the work of life, 
has lost the race before starting. Whatever may be the wis- 
dom of the council chamber, it is the enthusiasm of men on 
the field of battle that wins the day. In great achievements, 
in critical moments, enthusiasm borders on rashness as genius 
borders on insanity. The man becomes a moral tornado ! 
Bulwer says, " A certain degree of temerity is a power. It 
intimidates a foe ; it arouses a supernatural heroism in one's 
own forces." 

Before Pacific Railroads, a company of soldiers were 
crossing the mountains. Everything was transported by mule- 
train. They had a mountain howitzer lashed to the back of 
a mule. As they were passing along the side of the moun- 
tain, fully exposed, they were attacked by Indians from below, 
ambushed behind huge rocks. The attack was so sudden that 
they had no time to u unlimber " the gun and get it into posi- 
tion. So the enthusiastic young captain whirled the mule 
around and fired from the mule's back. So great was the 
recoil of the cannon that it hurled gun and mule, end over 
end, down the hill toward the savages, who fled like sheep as 
they saw the strange shot coming. The next day the chief 
was captured and brought in. The young captain asked him 
why he fled so yesterday, when they had lost their gun and 
their whole party might have been captured and scalped. 
The old chief straightened himself up and said, " Look at me ! 
Me big Injun. Me no 'fraid little guns. Me no 'fraid big guns. 
But when white man fire whole mule at Injun, me don't know 
what come next." (Laughter and applause}) 

When the line of battle advances with enthusiastic shout, 
the enemy trembles before the blow is struck and the charge 
is doubly terrific. A timid attack is always nascent defeat. 
Only under the outbursts of enthusiasm does the soul of man 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2 I 5 

•or woman reveal its masterful power. In Italy, at the exhi- 
bition of a menagerie, a fierce tiger broke from his cage, seized 
a little boy from his mother's side, and bounded away with 
him in his mouth to a clump of trees near by, the mother fol- 
lowing in hot haste. The tiger turned, facing the mother, 
with the boy in his mouth. Reaching the spot almost as soon 
as the tiger, she fixed her eyes intently on the eye of the beast, 
and, with arms outstretched, with authority in look, voice and 
gesture, and with audacious enthusiasm, rushed toward the 
tiger, crying, "Give me my child." The brute cowered, 
dropped the boy — not fatally injured — and the mother snatched 
him from under those bloody jaws, and bore him away in 
triumph, the tiger cowering like a whipped spaniel. When 
the powers of a man or woman are aroused by some grand 
enthusiasm to assert their tremendous energies, then flashes 
on the brow the Royal Crown bequeathed to man in the begin- 
ning by his Creator: "Have dominion over all the work of 
My hands." When oppressed colonies, or a people, subjected 
to indignities and tyranny; aroused by the smart of their 
wrongs ; inspired by their inalienable rights, and impelled by 
overwhelming enthusiasm for liberty, rise in their might and 
demand — " Give us our rights,"- — then a nation is born in a 
day. (Applause}) 

Without this driving power in his business any man is 
less or more a failure. Pithily said a Western editor to a man 
sneering at excitement : " There is only one thing done in this 
world without excitement." " What is that ? " . " To rot ! " he 
replied. No man carries his work or profession to the highest 
success who is not incessantly impelled by a grand enthusiasm. 
Like an incoming tide, at last, it sweeps away or breaks over 
all obstacles. It sustains the workers amid the discourage- 
ments and difficulties inseparable from great achievements, and 
cheers the toilers in humble spheres amid their struggles and 
adversities. Without this enthusiasm, men yield before the 
obstacles that beset their paths. They tire, faint and give 
over the struggle in despair. 



21 6 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

A man, at midnight, came home in an exhilarated con- 
dition. The house was dark and he planned how he might 
get to rest without awaking his loving spouse. He would 
hold on to the chair with one hand, disrobe with the other, 
and quietly get to bed, so as to avoid a temperance lecture. 
Unfortunately for his plans, his wife had placed the cradle — an 
institution fast disappearing in modern days — right athwart 
the chamber door. In the darkness he saw it not. Stealthily 
attempting entrance to the room, he stumbled over the cradle 
on the chamber floor. Excitedly rising, he staggered back- 
ward and fell over it into the hall. He attempted to right-flank 
it and get past the head of the cradle and stumbled toward the 
foot of the cradle. Then, by the left flank, he fell back towards 
the head. The fifth time he attempted an oblique movement 
and plunged headlong under the bed. He surrendered in 
despair, piteously crying out: "Wife, for Heaven's sake, how 
many cradles have you got in our house ? I have fallen over 
five and the sixth is right in the doorway ! " {Laughter) A 
man of enthusiasm will not despair at six cradles — six obstacles. 
Wherever men or women have done glorious deeds or led 
noble lives, enthusiasm has fed the sacred fires of high 
endeavor. Swedenborg says, "All great thoughts spring 
from the heart." Warm hearts heave with the tide-roll of 
enthusiasm. " It drives men forth by the heat of furnaces 
within, which cannot be quenched. The brain is charged 
with lightning and must strike. The heart is hot with flame 
and must burn." While the blood of youth is hot in your 
veins, strike for victory. The most brilliant achievements are 
commonly made in the first half of life. The forces of man- 
hood are then fresh, strong and plucky, and wielded with a 
burning enthusiasm. Montaigne declares that the most of 
great human actions, ancient and modern, have been performed 
before thirty years of age. The French have a proverb, " He 
who has no sense at thirty will never have any." 

"Yes," said the great Goethe, "my young friend, we must 
be young to do great things." Oliver Wendell Holmes recently 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2\J 

put it forcibly : " New ideas build their nests in young brains. 
Revolutions are not made by men in spectacles ; and the 
whisperings of new truths are not caught by those who begin 
to feel the need of an ear-trumpet." 

The explanation of this law is found in this statement : 
in youth, hope is larger, courage is more audacious and 
enthusiasm carries a full head of steam. Do not dampen your 
powder, young friends, but keep it dry and ready to burn with 
explosive force. It is the richest period of your life. Let 
nothing extinguish the sunbursts of that early manhood. 
There is power, there is victory, in your breezy enthusiasm. 
It is a fortune in itself, and breeds fortunes and prevents 
misfortunes. It has been said, " Put a Yankee ashore on a 
desolate island in the Pacific Ocean, with only a jack-knife, 
and he will get home as soon as, if not sooner than, the ship 
that deserted him. Put him in anywhere, and he will get out 
if he wants to. Put him out anywhere, and he will get in if he 
wants to." (Applause.) 

This enthusiasm impels to victory. It may be whipped, 
but it will not stay whipped. It often wrings victory from the 
jaws of defeat. At the storming of Vicksburg, an attempt 
was made to capture a rebel battery, but the terrific fire caused 
the Union troops to fall back. Peter Appel, of the i ith Indi- 
ana Regiment, impelled by his enthusiasm, rushed on, obliv- 
ious of the retreat, until he reached one of the guns, collared 
a gunner, and rushed back with him into the Union lines, 
shouting : " Boys, why didn't you come on ? Every fellow 
might have got one." A thousand such men as that would 
capture anything. 

Press on ! surmount the rocky steep, 

Climb boldly o'er the torrent's arch. 
He fails alone who feebly creeps, 

He wins who dares the hero's march. 
Be thou a hero ! Let thy might 

Tramp on eternal snows its way, 
And through the ebon walls of night, 

Hew down a passage unto day. 



21 8 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Press on ! If once or twice thy feet 

Slip back and stumble, harder try. 
From him who never dreads to meet 

Danger and death, they're sure to fly. 
To coward ranks the bullet speeds, 

While on their breasts who never quail 
Gleams (guardian of chivalric deeds) 

Bright courage like a coat of mail. 

Press on ! If Fortune plays thee false 

To-day, to-morrow she'll be true, 
Whom now she sinks, she now exalts, 

Taking old gifts and granting new. 
The wisdom of the present hour 

Makes up for follies past and gone. 
To weakness strength succeeds, and power 

From frailty springs. Press on.! Press on ! 
{Hearty applause^ 

A third winning force in life is 



CONCENTRATION. 

It is not diffused electricity, but the concentrated thunder- 
bolt: that is terrible in power. There is a victorious secret in 
the man who concentrates all his forces on the one work he 
has to do in the world. He gives himself wholly to that one 
purpose, sacrifices all minor issues and incidental good. He 
weaves all threads, spun on his whirling spindles, into this one 
web, which will prove a tapestry of wealth. He cribs all the 
water in the stream of life to pour on this wheel. This one 
work is the emporium of his life, toward which all fleets 
spread their white sails. This one work is the capital of his 
empire, toward which all roads lead, and into which all cara- 
vans bring their treasures, and all conquests pour their tri- 
umphs. To succeed a man must be at one with himself. He 
must know what he wants to do, and do that wholly. There 
are too many men in the world whose make-up is like the 
dog celebrated in Spaulding's Glue. He was cut in two by a 
railroad train, but immediately stuck together by this famous 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2IO, 

preparation as good as ever, save that in the haste one pair of 
legs were up while the other two were down ; so that when 
tired running on one side, he could flop over and run just as 
well on the other side. (Laughter?) Men who flop from one 
thing to another are not a success in business, however it 
may be in politics. In political arenas there are men who act 
on the high plane of Garfield's maxim, " I would rather be 
master of my own soul than hold any office, however high ; " 
and there are others who are accurately photographed in the 
insane man who said, as a visitor passed him in the Asylum, 
" I am Napoleon the Great." A few minutes later the visitor 
passed him again, when the lunatic said, " I am the arch-angel 
Gabriel." " But," said the visitor, " you said a few moments 
since that you were Napoleon the Great." " Oh, I recollect," 
replied the politician — the lunatic, I mean — " I was Napoleon 
the Great by my first wife." {Laughter.) As you have none 
of this kind in Philadelphia, this allusion will be news to you. 
But, young friends, concentrate all your energies on one line. 
Of course, I assume that you will select a calling wholly hon- 
orable, however humble. Do any work well, and the integ- 
rity you put into it dignifies it. Make your clerkship useful, 
and you will be wanted as partner in ten years. " Stick to 
your business, and your business will stick to you," is the 
golden rule of success. " Stick to your business," said Roths- 
child to a young man, " stick to your brewery, and you may 
be the great brewer of London. But be a brewer, and a 
banker, and a merchant, and a manufacturer, and you will soon 
be in the Gazette!' This philosophy is correct, though I 
would rather sweep streets than brew that which brews 
sorrow, and misery and poverty in thousands of homes. 
(Applause!) 

Put all your mind and energy into one work. Think 
about it, plan for it, then push it. Consider your one work as 
important as if the whole world turned on it as a pivot. 
Storm the citadel of your life-work every day. The hero of 
Lake Champlain, Commodore Macdonough, won his victories 



220 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

as you must. He trained all his guns on the "big ship" of 
the enemy. No matter how hot the fire from the balance of the 
enemy's fleet, every shot was concentrated on the " big ship" 
till her guns were silenced. Then it was easy to finish the 
fleet. What made Rufus Choate the greatest jury lawyer of 
the American bar was concentration of all his forces at that 
one point. He used to tell his secret in these words, " Carry 
the jury at all hazards; move heaven and earth to carry the 
jury, and then fight it out with the judges on the law ques- 
tions as best you can." The man who scatters himself on 
several lines divides his purpose, wastes his energies, smothers 
his enthusiasm and usually fails in all his undertakings. 

Knives that have six blades, a corkscrew, a file, a tooth- 
pick, a screw-driver, a saw, a pair of tweezers and a boot 
buttoner are ingenious humbugs. They are bought by dudes 
and other idiots. {Laitgliter}) 

Stick to one thing as Mark Twain sticks to the word 
"thing" in describing the harnessing of horses to a Swiss 
diligence : "The man stands up the horses on each side of the 
thing that projects from the front of the wagon, and then 
throws the tangled mess of gear on top the horses, and passes 
the thing that goes forward through a ring ; and hauls it aft, 
and passes the other thing through the other ring ; and hauls 
it aft on the other side of the other horse opposite the first 
one ; after crossing them and bringing the loose ends back, 
he then buckles the other thing under the horse ; and takes 
another thing and wraps it around the thing I spoke of before, 
and puts another thing over each horse's head, with broad 
flappers to keep the dust out of his eyes, and puts the iron 
thing in his mouth to grit his teeth on up hill, and brings the 
ends of these things over his back, after buckling another 
thing around his neck to hold his head up, and hitching 
another thing on the thing that goes over his shoulders to 
keep his head up when he is climbing a hill, and then takes 
the slack of the thing I mentioned awhile ago, and fetches it 
aft, and makes it fast to the thing that pulls the wagon, and 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 221 

hands the other things up to the driver to steer with." 
{Laughter?) 

Some are afraid they will be thought men of one idea if 
they concentrate all their forces on one line. This term, though 
used by shallow men as a sneer, is the sign of strength, the 
decoration of a man with heaven's order of nobility. 

The majority of men who have written their names large 
on the history of the world have been men of one idea. They 
are remembered for the one idea that absorbed them and 
immortalized them. Plato was a man of one idea — philosophy ; 
Demosthenes — oratory ; Paul — Christianity ; Luther — the 
Reformation ; Cromwell — the English Commonwealth ; Watt 
— the steam engine; Fulton — the steamboat; Harvey — the 
circulation of the blood ; Jenner — vaccination ; Agassiz — 
natural science ; Whitney — the cotton gin ; Garibaldi — liberty; 
Garrison — the overthrow of slavery; and that masterly genius 
of modern ages, Shakespere, concentrated and poured the 
wealth of his marvelous abilities along one idea — the Drama. 
The same law operates fully to-day. The best lawyers are 
absorbed in the one idea of the law. The greatest physicians 
have concentrated all their powers on the one idea — medical 
knowledge. The merchant princes have only one idea — mer- 
cantile success. [Applause) 

Dr. Beaumont said : " Sometimes I hear a talk about a 
man of one idea. Well, I like a man to have an idea ; it is 
a great property, one idea is. Some people seem as if they 
had no ideas at all; but I like a man of one idea. Why, he 
is a man in whom an idea takes possession of his skull and 
of both hemispheres of his brain ; of the frontal region, the 
back region and the lateral region ; and the idea walks up 
and down his brain, from hemisphere to hemisphere, from 
convolution to convolution, and thus the man is literally a 
man of one idea. And when the one idea is that knowledge 
shall be everywhere, and ignorance nowhere ; order every- 
where, and disorder nowhere ; liberty everywhere, and slavery 
nowhere ; when that idea is that truth shall be everywhere, 



222 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

and falsehood nowhere ; love everywhere, and hatred nowhere ; 
Christ everywhere, and Satan nowhere on the earth at all — 
that is a great idea. 

One idea is enough for a lifetime, and it will immortalize 
the man whom it sways and possesses. And if it be a benevo- 
lent or philanthropic soul that makes a throne for the sway 
of a noble idea, then the moral sublimity of man is disclosed. 
A man or woman, concentrating all energies for the moral 
good of society ; teaching the ignorant ; uplifting the fallen ; 
ministering to the poor and needy ; fearing no soiling of 
their spotless robes as they carry the waif and the outcast up 
to a brighter destiny — is grand, like the march of the sun this 
June day. All day long he sends down his golden beams of 
light, pure as the radiance of heaven, into the pools and bogs 
and marshes of earth, eliminating atom after atom of pure 
water from the environing filth ; transporting them into the 
heavens, to float there in new-born purity ; and when the work 
of the day is done, and he sinks to rest behind the western 
horizon — and not a golden beam is soiled — the trophies 
of his labors, uplifted and purified atoms of water, gather in 
clouds of gorgeous splendor around that departing hour, the 
irradiant witnesses of a noble work done to-day and the har- 
bingers of a bright future on which he will rise and shine 
to-morrow. {Applause.) 

Concentrated manhood, consecrated by moral purpose,, 
means the highest success for two worlds. 

The last winning force I have time to mention, although 
others clamor for recognition, is 

DETERMINATION. 

Invincible determination ! In this I touch one of the 
great diapason keys of success. Will-power is the Titantic 
strength of character. The omnipotence of Jehovah is in His 
will. The awful power of a man is in his will. And a 
woman's will, if fully exerted,, can unhorse Death from the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 22^ 

Pale Horse. I will prove that strong statement by an incident 
that I pledge you my honor is an unvarnished fact. 

Rev. C F was an able and honored clergyman 

in Brooklyn and vicinity. His wife was on her death-bed. 
The end was so near that she had taken leave of her friends, 
and then asked all to withdraw while she said her farewell words 
to her husband. Alone with him she took him by the hand and 

said : " C , will you promise to grant me one request when 

I am gone ? " " What is it, my dear ? " he tenderly asked. " I 
want you to promise me that you will be true to my memory." 
" What do you mean, my dear ? " "I want you to promise 
not to marry again." " Please do not speak of such a thing, 
my dear. Such a thought never entered my mind." " But," 
she continued, " I want you to promise it — will you ? " Then 
his English blood was aroused a little, and he replied, " I don't 
think it right to extort such a promise." With solemn tones 
she asked, " For the third and last time I ask — Will you 
promise me never to marry again ? " As emphatically he 

answered, " No, I cannot do it." " Then, C F , I won't 

die ! " And she did not. She got well ; lived some fifteen 
years ; lived till she saw him where no second wife comes, and 
then followed him. Her will unhorsed Death ! {Applause}) 

There is often but one step between success and defeat, 
and that step is bridged by determination. There are times 
when the only hope is in pulling wide open the throttle-valve 
of your engine and driving on. Many a rich prize is lost be- 
cause a man relaxes his grip in the crisis of the struggle. 
Victory is in pushing on. Arnold, of Rugby, said : " The 
difference between one boy and another consists not so much 
in talent as in energy." Sir Thos. Fowell Buxton said : " The 
great difference between men, between the great and the 
insignificant, is energy, invincible determination, an honest pur- 
pose once fixed, and then death or victory." 

Think of Wm. Lloyd Garrison, starting on his crusade 
against slavery, with the wealth, the prejudices, the political 
parties, the churches (mostly), and the traditions of the 



224 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

republic marshalled in overwhelming force against him, indit- 
ing these immortal words in the first copy of the Liberate?' : — 
" I am in earnest. I will not equivocate. I will not excuse. I 
will not retreat a single inch, and I will be heard ! " Those 
brave words rung the death-knell of slavery. That one man, 
determined to stand for the right, was God's red thunderbolt 
to shiver that colossal iniquity. 

Will-power, united with moral principle and justice, is 
almost omnipotent. Face a panther and he will cower ; show 
fear and he will spring at your throat. Difficulties are pan- 
thers ; face them boldly and they are conquered. Prof- 
Matthews says to young men : " We all like to drive along 
smoothly ; to have the backs padded and the seats cushioned. 
But such is not the road to success in any profession or call- 
ing ; and if you are poor and feel that you cannot climb the 
steeps of life unassisted; that you must be carried in a vehicle, 
instead of trudging on foot along the dusty highway, then 
confess your weakness, and seek your Hercules in the first 
heiress who is as wanting in judgment as you are in nerve and 
resolution. Marry $5,000 a year, if you can, and be a stall- 
fed ox for the rest of your days. The world will touch its 
hat to you and give you plenty of ceremonious respect, but 
its real regard, its loftiest esteem, it will reserve for the moral 
hero who has nerve to throw his hat into the ring and fight 
out the battle of life in a manly and creditable way." 
(Applause?) 

This inflexible determination becomes the commander-in- 
chief of all the forces in a man. It arouses a preternatural 
power in the whole man ; brings every latent force into action 
at the right moment and the right place, and holds them there 
with iron firmness, steadily and pluckily until the victory is 
won. Demand such a man to surrender, and like the naval 
hero, Paul Jones, he audaciously replies, " Surrender ? I have 
just begun to fight." {Applause) 

There is something sublime in this self-poise — calm, when 
others are distracted ; cool, when others are frenzied ; inflexible, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 225 

when others are wavering ; clothed with highest power in those 
moments which are burdened with adversities that would crush 
others as the worm is crushed beneath the foot — and the man 
of invincible determination who has conquered himself has 
already won the greatest victory of earth. All other triumphs 
will follow with comparative ease. 

History furnishes no sublimer illustration of this masterly 
quality than in the last days of the hero who sleeps in River- 
side Park. His indomitable will was absolute monarch of all 
his splendid abilities. With courage unrivaled ; with coolness 
and self-control perfect ; with purpose direct and steady, his 
determination was invincible as death. Such a man could 
never be conquered ; he must be annihilated. 

Never had we seen the full majesty of the man till we saw 
him hurled to the earth by that financial cyclone. Then we 
saw, not the great soldier, covered with national glory; not 
the honest President, invested with the authority and greatness 
of fifty millions of free people ; not the feasted guest of the 
monarchs of the world ; but the mighty manhood, the personal 
nobility and unconquerable purpose of the man — U. S. Grant 
— who, stripped of wealth, and held in the grasp of a malignant 
disease, refused to surrender to either disaster or death; 
declined the benevolence of wealthy creditors ; arose on the 
fatal field, like one of the wounded gods of Homer, for one 
more Herculean effort, and, drawing his pen, now mightier 
than his sword, held death at bay for months, while he wrested 
from the jaws of defeat the crowning victory of his matchless 
career. His bugles refused to sound a retreat, even in the 
presence of the King of Terrors ! (Applause?) 

There will come hours in your post-graduate life that will 
call for the endurance and pluck of determination, and on its 
proud strength you will mount to success. But you must be 
ready to endure early struggles in the assurance of later 
triumphs. 

Mr. Chitty, an eminent English barrister, was asked by an 
anxious father concerning the qualifications for the bar. The 



226 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

great lawyer's reply was this question, " Can your son eat 
sawdust without butter ?" (Laughter*) 

The world has small use for Micawberish men, or for 
dapper dandies, whose proudest achievement is to dance a 
" german " or to dance attendance on the butterflies of society. 
A grasshopper has more agility and a butterfly more beauty 
than these creatures that ape them, but marry the human 
grasshopper and butterfly and you have a poor team for the 
work of life ! 

The world respects strong, stalwart, iron-sided men. 
Success waits upon men who are transformed from callow 
eaglets into strong-thewed eagles, who scream defiance at the 
storm as they rise and strike their pinions against the wings of 
the whirlwind ! 

" Be firm ; one constant element of luck 
Is genuine, solid, old Teutonic pluck. 
Stick to your aim ; the mongrel's hold will slip, 
But only crowbars loose the bulldog's grip. 
Small though he looks, the jaw that never yields 
Drags down the bellowing monarch of the fields." 

There is plenty of room, and work, and welcome in the 
world for men and women of availability, enthusiasm, concen- 
ti ation and determined purpose. They are always at a premium. 
But the dilettanti and the drones we can spare as cheerfully as 
the clergyman could a certain annoying admirer. This lady, 
carried away by the oratorical flights of her eloquent pastor, 
often disconcerted him by her half-audible ejaculations — 
" Beautiful ! Wonderful ! Sublime ! " One day, when his 
imagination had soared so far away among the stars that she 
could not follow she broke forth, " Oh, for another feather in 
the wing of my imagination that I, too, might soar into those 
heavenly heights ! " The vexed pastor exclaimed, " Good 
Lord, give her that feather and let her go ! " (Laughter?) 

In conclusion, permit me to focus and burn into your 
memories, young ladies and gentlemen, graduates, the lesson 
of the hour, in the following forceful and elegant words :■ — 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 227 

" Wanted. — The great want of the world is men ; men 
who are not for sale ; men who are honest, sound from centre 
to circumference, true to the heart's core ; men who fear the 
Lord and covetousness ; men who will condemn wrong in 
friend or foe, in themselves as well as in others ; men whose 
consciences are as steady as the needle to the pole; men who 
will stand for the right if the heavens totter and the earth reels ; 
men who will tell the truth and look the world and the devil 
right in the eye ; men who neither brag nor run ; men that 
neither swagger nor flinch ; men who have courage without 
whistling for it and joy without shouting to bring it; men in 
whom the current of everlasting life runs still and deep and 
strong ; men careful of God's honor and careless of man's 
applause; men too large for sectarianism and too strong for 
political cabals ; men who do not strive, nor cry, nor cause 
their voices to be heard in the streets, but who will not fail nor 
be discouraged till judgment is set in the earth; men who 
know their message and tell it ; men who know their duty and 
do it ; men who know their place and fill it ; men who mind 
their own business ; men who will not lie ; men who are not 
too lazy to work nor too proud to be poor; men who are 
willing to eat what they have earned and wear what they have 
paid for ; men who know Whom they have believed ; men 
whose feet are on the Everlasting Rock ; men who are not 
ashamed of their hope ; men who are strong with Divine 
strength, wise with the wisdom that cometh from above, and 
loving with the love of Christ — men of God ! " (Loud and 
continued applause}) 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peirce School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Friday Evening, July i, 1887, 



AT 7.45 O'CLOCK, 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-SECOND SCHOOL YEAR. 



^* PROGRAMME *^ 

Fidday Evening, jfolitj 1, 1887 

MUSIG BY THE 

Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.4.5 O'CLOCK, 

CHAS. WL. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 
HENRY FEHUNG, Assistant Conductor. 



OVERTURE— " Isabella^ Suppe 

SELECTION—" Gasper one," MilloeckeR 

MARCH—" Rosita," Claussen 

FACULTY, GRADUATES, AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. J. A. M. CHAPMAN, D. D. 
THE PALMS, ■ . . . Faure 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
General J. A. BEAVER, Governor of Pennsylvania, 

AND BY 

Governor B. T. BIGGS, of Delaware. 
SELECTION— « Trovalore," . ' VERDr 

Annual Address, Rev. SAM. W. SMALL, D. D., 

editor of Southern Evangelist. 

WALTZ—" Sweet Hearts," Strauss 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 
SELECTION — " Chimes of Normandy," Planquette 

Address to Graduates, Rev. SAM. P. JONES. 
GAVOTTE— "Mignonette," Eilenberg 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 
GALOP — "Formosa" Weingarten 



List of Graduates, ©lass of '87, 



Abraham, Walter Scott Pennsylvania. 

Acker, John Chrisman . Pennsylvania. 

Anderson, Eugene Hiram Pennsylvania. 

Auckland, Genevieve Hersey Pennsylvania. 

Beavis, John Pennsylvania. 

Bechtel, Aaron B , Pennsylvania. 

Benignus, Albert Pennsylvania. 

Bickley, Anna Olivia Pennsylvania. 

Blessing, Minnie Anna Pennsylvania. 

Boggs, Walter Moore Delaware. 

Bonsall, Ellwood Warner Pennsylvania. 

Bossert, Albert Deitz Penn-ylvatiia. 

Bradley, John Clark Pennsylvania. 

Brittain, William Hoffecker Pennsylvania. 

Bruner, Harry Clark Pennsylvania. 

Burk, Walter Levis Pennsylvania. 

Burke, Cecelia Elizabeth Pennsylvania. 

Cain, James Albert Pennsylvania. 

Calver, William Goldson Pennsylvania. 

Chapman, Alfred Knight Pennsylvania. 

Concannon, Edward Ignatius Pennsylvania. 

Conover, Charles Wilson ... . New Jersey. 

Conrad, William Yerkes Pennsylvania. 

Davis, Elwood Martin Pennsylvania. 

Delahunty, Thomas Fox Pennsylvania. 

Dewees, Wilmer Unruh Pennsylvania. 

Ebersole, Albert Ernest Pennsylvania. 

Edler, William Custer Pennsylvania. 

Eisenhardt, Harry Pennsylvania. 

Eisenmann, John George Pennsylvania. 

Felin, Charles Francis Pennsylvania. 

Ferrell, Harry Thomas Pennsylvania. 

Forker, Samuel John Pennsylvania. 

G^ckler, Lillie Augusta Pennsylvania. 

Gallagher, James Frederick .....' Pennsylvania. 

Gans, Milton Henry .'...'.'.' Pennsylvania. 

Getty, David Pennsylvania. 

Gilkyson, Anna Lloyd Pennsylvania. 

Godshall, Wilson Hackman Pennsylvania. 



232 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Green, Frederick Abel Pennsylvania. 

Hagner, Samuel Domsler Pennsylvania. 

Handy, William Matthews Pennsylvania. 

Hare, James Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Hartman, John Philip Pennsylvania. 

Herbst, Charles, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Hess, William Milton Pennsylvania. 

Heston, Howard Mitchell Pennsylvania. 

Hoagland, Ida Virginia Pennsylvania. 

Hodson, Walter Mallison Pennsylvania. 

Houpt, Harry Sterling Pennsylvania. 

Howes, Augustus Fisher Montana. 

Hubbard, Thomas D Delaware. 

Hubbard, Walter Warren Pennsylvania. 

Hunter, Mary Robinson Pennsylvania. 

Jermyn, Edmund Beeson Pennsylvania. 

Jolley, William Pennsylvania. 

Joslin, John Burton, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Justice, John Morrison Pennsylvania. 

Karst, Charles William Pennsylvania. 

Levinson, Deborah Pennsylvania. 

Lewis, Ernest Germaine New York. 

Linehan, John Bernard Pennsylvania. 

Long, Frances Pennsylvania. 

Longshore, Mary Alouysia Pennsylvania. 

Marshall, Charles Hunt Pennsylvania. 

Mathews, Frederick Grant Pennsylvania. 

McClain, David Ellsworth Pennsylvania. 

McConnell, John Summerfield Pennsylvania. 

McIlvaine, John Francis Pennsylvania. 

McKnight, Elizabeth Jane Armstrong Pennsylvania. 

Mercer, Maris Wilbert Pennsylvania. 

Merembeck, Benjamin Franklin . Pennsylvania. 

Millar, Harry Cecil Pennsylvania. 

Miller, August Pennsylvania. 

Oliver, Mary Agnes Pennsylvania. 

Partridge, Charles Adin Pennsylvania. 

Patton, Robert James Pennsylvania. 

Percy, Watson Valmore Pennsylvania. 

Powell, John Webster Pennsylvania. 

Price, Margaret Pennsylvania. 

Randall, Camilla Pennsylvania. 

Rebman, Harry Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Reigner, Samuel Yerger Pennsylvania. 

Ridings, Julia Prince . Pennsylvania. 

Roberts, John James . . Pennsylvania. 

Robinson, Andrew Brown Pennsylvania. 

Rogers, Jennie W Pennsylvania. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 233 

1 

Rogers, William Templin New Jersey. 

Rosenberry, Wellington Hendricks Pennsylvania. 

Russell, Alexander, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Shaw, John . Pennsylvania. 

Shaw, Lanna " Pennsylvania. 

Sheeler, John Howard Pennsylvania. 

Shern, Daniel Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Smith, George Hughes Pennsylvania. 

Smith, Harry Lincoln Pennsylvania. 

Smith, James Grant Pennsylvania. 

Smith, William Cornelius Pennsylvania. 

Starkley, William Ellis Pennsylvania. 

Starr, Frank Lincoln New Jersey. 

Steeble, Louis William Pennsylvania. 

Sullivan, William Cusack Texas. 

Swinehart, Howard Yerger . Pennsylvania. 

Thomas, Edwin R Pennsylvania. 

Tyson, Laetitia Jane Pennsylvania. 

Wenkenbach, Harry Louis Pennsylvania. 

Wilkins, Frances Augusta Pennsylvania. 

Williams, Thomas Hoffman Pennsylvania. 

Williamson, Davis Beaumont Pennsylvania. 

Woodman, Abraham Clayton Pennsylvania. 

Woodward, William Allen Ohio. 

Wright, George Nagle Pennsylvania. 

Yoder, Howard William Pennsylvania. 

Total, One Hundred and Thirteen. 



JiMograpl^iectl Sl^Qt©h| 
cJolr^q j\lfpod ^letealf ©hjaprqaq 



Eminent clergyman, master of arts, doctor of divinity, late chaplain 
of the General Assembly of Massachusetts, chaplain of the University 
of Pennsylvania, etc. 

Dr. J. A. M. Chapman was born in Greenland, N. H., August 21, 
1829, and was educated at Hampton Academy, N. H., Waterville Col- 
lege, Me., and at the Biblical Institute, Concord, N. H. 

He joined the Providence Conference at its session in Edgerton, 
Mass., 1854, and was appointed to North Fair Haven, Mass. His subse- 
quent appointments have been at Millville, New Bedford, Taunton (all 
in Massachusetts); Providence, R. I. ; Fall River, Mass. ; Hanover Street, 
Tremont Street, Temple Street (all in Boston, Mass.); St. John's, Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. (twice); St. Paul's, New York City (twice); Ridgefield, Conn. ; 
Arch Street, Philadelphia (five years), and Park Avenue, Philadelphia — 
his present charge. 

He received the degree of A. M, from his alma mater, and that of 
D. D. from Wesleyan University in 1873. 

He was chaplain of the General Assembly of Massachusetts, and is 
now one of the chaplains of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1879 
he traveled extensively in Europe with his family, having been obliged 
to take rest on account of impaired health. 

Dr. Chapman is considered the foremost preacher of the present 
day in the Methodist pulpit within the bounds of the Philadelphia Annual 
Conference, and in addition to his learning and well-exercised gifts he is 
a broad, liberal, loving collaborator with all Christian endeavor, and as 
such he is reverenced and beloved. N. H. 



EY THE 

T^qV. J. /\. >1. (S^apnqcLr}, ID. JD, 



Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all genera- 
tions. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou 
hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting 
to everlasting Thou art God. In Thee we live and move and 
have our being. We thank Thee for our creation and for the 
endowments of our nature, physical, mental and spiritual. 
We thank Thee for all the ample and varied provisions made 
to supply our necessities. We thank Thee for the gift of Thy 
Son our Lord and Saviour, and that through Him life and 
immortality are brought to light, and that Thou hast in Thine 
infinite and merciful condescension brought the conditions of 
this life and immortality within the reach of all. We bless Thee 
for all the institutions that have sprung out of and been nour- 
ished by the gospel of our salvation. We pray Thy blessing 
in an especial manner this evening to rest upon this College. 
We thank Thee for its history and we thank Thee for what it 
has accomplished in the way of preparing the young for use- 
fulness and success in life. We pray Thee to bless its officers, 
its professors, those who guide and control its interests. And 
we ask Thy special benediction to rest on the young men and 
young women who from year to year shall come to it seeking 
z oreparation for the various callings of life. In an especial 
manner we invoke Thy blessing upon the graduates of this 
evening who now go forth to the perilous duties and responsi- 
bilities of life. We pray that Thy presence may go with them 



236 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

and guide them, and that while they seek success in their 
various callings, we pray that their highest ambition and aim 
may be not simply to grow rich in the things of this life, to 
win fame and position, but to attain that character, that Chris- 
tian manhood and womanhood which shall fit them for the 
highest usefulness in this life and for immortality in the world 
that is to come. Let Thy blessing rest on all the exercises of 
this evening, upon all that are gathered here, and guide us by 
Thy counsel and afterward receive us to Thyself Our Father 
which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom 
come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we 
forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but 
deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, 
and the glory, forever. Amen. 



Biography ieal cBl^©t©h) 
cJanqos /\ddarr\s BoaVop, 



Lawyer, statesman, brigadier-general, ex-Governor of the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

Was born in Millerstown, Perry County, Pa., October 21, 1837. 
The founders of the family came from Alsace in 1740 — Huguenots seek- 
ing religious liberty in America. They settled in Chester county, Pa., 
and became leaders in the affairs of the infant commonwealth. They 
have furnished soldiers for every American war since the middle of the 
last century, and in times of peace have been among the most highly 
respected and influential families of the State. 

James was educated by his mother (his father died in 1840) until 
1846, when the family removed to Belleville, Mifflin county, and he was 
sent to school. In 1852 he entered the Pine Grove Academy, and in 
1854 joined the junior class in Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Pa. 
After graduation in 1856 he read law in the office of H. N. McAllister,, 
at Bellefonte, Pa., and was taken into partnership by him almost as soon 
as he was of age. Here he joined a local military company — the " Belle- 
fonte Fencibles," under Captain Andrew G. Curtin, afterwards War Gov- 
ernor of Pennsylvania. He made a thorough study of tactics, and, when 
the President called for volunteers to suppress the rebellion, in 1861, he 
was second lieutenant of the company which promptly marched to the 
defense of the National Capital. He served with great heroism during 
the war until incapacitated by numerous wounds, one of which resulted 
in the loss of his right leg. He was brevetted brigadier-general of volun- 
teers November 10, 1864, after having repeatedly declined promotion that 
would have taken him from his regiment. 

He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic,, 
and an excellent lawyer. As Governor of Pennsylvania he made a 
grand record. 

(See Appleton's " Cyclopaedia of American Biography," also "An 
Album of Prominent Pennsylvanians," and " Life of James A. Beaver," 
by Frank A. Burr, Philadelphia, 1882.) N. H. 



Ir^troduietoFi.:) F^orqapJ^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

tiis E^:©Qlloq©y, 

QoVopqor Janqos j\. BoaVop, 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — The time was when a father 
who had a son to educate educated him for what was called 
in those days one of the three learned professions. If he could 
not afford to educate him, the ordinary reply to an inquiry as 
to whether the son was to be educated or not was : " Well, 
no : I can't afford to educate him ; I guess I will make a 
business man out of him." The time is now when no man 
who expects to become eminent in his calling - can afford to 
enter upon that calling without an education which will fit him 
for it. It is said that the Germans owe their supremacy in 
the Italian trade (if they have it) because, as is alleged, every 
German merchant who expects to enter into competition for 
the Italian trade learns the Italian language, and the 
Germans go into Italy and take trade in Italy from England, 
because every German merchant learns Italian in his prepara- 
tory training for his calling. 

Stephen Girard, when he was about to found this great 
benefaction which is in your midst, provided, among other 
things, that the Spanish language should be taught in Girard 
College, because this northern part of the western hemis- 
phere must sooner or later control the trade of the southern 
part of it, and that if that was to be done the Spanish language 
must be taught in order that the merchants of the day who 
were to control that trade should understand the language of 
that people. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 239 

There are certain things that are absolutely necessary to 
a knowledge of business. The history of a people, the lan- 
guage of a people, the habits of a people, the wants of a 
people, the commercial relations of a people, the means of 
communication of a people are all a necessity, if a business 
man wishes to control the trade of that people. No commer- 
cial traveler thinks, if lie is a man who expects to control 
business, of controlling the trade of a great State without 
knowing what that State is, who its people are, what their 
habits are, what their language is, how they are reached and 
what their business relations are when they are reached ; and 
if this northern part of our western continent is to control the 
business of this hemisphere, we are to do it by a study of the 
languages, the habits, the commercial relations, the life and 
the history of the people whose trade we expect to control. 

Now, here is a broad field for commercial education. I 
do not believe it is filled in this country. I do not believe it 
is occupied fully in this country, and yet we are coming to it, 
and we are reaching a point now when it is just as necessary 
for the merchant to understand the laws of trade as for the 
chemist to understand the law T s of chemistry ; when it is just 
as necessary for the banker to understand the laws of finance 
as it is for the civil engineer to understand the laws of physics, 
and there are laws which are just as fixed in the one case as in 
the other, and therefore it is that our Commercial Colleges are 
becoming more and more prominent, and their courses of 
study are continually widening and enlarging so as to give to 
the young men, and I am glad to say to the young women, 
too, of this generation, facilities for education which will fit 
them for taking their places in life and standing alongside of 
the learned minister, the learned lawyer, the learned physician, 
and holding up their heads as educated men and women in 
their sphere just as what used to be called the learned pro- 
fessions do in theirs. 

This College whose anniversary we celebrate to-night, 
whose commencement has brought us together, is taking a 



24-0 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

stride in this direction of enlargement and of widening the 
scope and sphere of commercial education, and I may say, 
without consultation with those who direct its affairs, that 
from the progress of the last couple of years it is very safe to 
say that it is just beginning a career of usefulness and of 
widening influence in this community and in this country. 

One hundred and thirteen of its graduates who will receive 
their certificates this evening are before me. They come from 
every portion of this great country of ours. They are well 
educated in the English branches of a good education, and 
they have superadded to that those special lines of commercial 
training, of business training, which will fit them for useful- 
ness in the business world. 

I do not like their geography much. I see there is a 
gentleman here by the name of Abraham, from Pennsylvania, 
and one by the name of Anderson, from Philadelphia. Well, 
now, I am just old-fashioned enough, and countrified enough, 
to believe that Philadelphia is in Pennsylvania, and I have just 
State pride enough to be mighty proud of it, and, therefore, I 
confess I do not like this divorce of Philadelphia from Penn- 
sylvania. I do not know whether Philadelphia is ashamed of 
Pennsylvania, or whether Pennsylvania is ashamed of Phila- 
delphia ; I do not know how it comes, but I don't like your 
geography, and so with that emendation and that correction I 
am willing to take the work of this Commercial College, this 
Business College of the last year, as being just exactly what 
it ought to be, and in the line of what commercial education 
is to be in the future in this country. 

Professor Peirce had us all to dinner just before we came 
here, and we rather blamed him with giving us a good dinner 
in order to prevent any speeches being made, to shorten the 
exercises, because you know when a man's stomach is full his 
brain is usually, if not empty, at least blocked, so that there is 
not much chance for a speech. He said to me, " Five minutes." 
He said to my brother Biggs, from the State of Delaware, 
because it is a little State, you know, " Three minutes." But 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OE BUSINESS. 24 1 

Pennsylvania and Delaware touch elbows here as they do on 
nearly all occasions. When we come to celebrate our centen- 
nial, in the coming September, we will be here with our arms 
locked. Why, not very long ago we were here together when 
we were joining hands with our Irish fellow-citizens in favor 
of the policy of that grand man who for a time, I am sorry 
to say, is not swaying the destinies of England. And we find 
ourselves here to-night to congratulate ourselves, and to con- 
gratulate the people of Philadelphia, and of Pennsylvania out- 
side of Philadelphia, and Delaware, which is also close to it, 
that they have the good sense to send their sons and daughters 
who desire a commercial education to Peirce Business College. 
Inasmuch as it was supposed that the Executive of Penn- 
sylvania would not be equal to this occasion, the Executive of 
the State of Delaware has been invited to supplement him, and 
I, therefore, have great pleasure to introduce to you my friend, 
Governor Biggs, of Delaware. {Applause)) 



JiMogpapI^iea.1 S^otet} 

OF 

JBoryanqiq Thjonqas liMggs. 



Educator, statesman, financier, railroad president, farmer, orator, ex- 
Governor of the State of Delaware, etc. 

Governor Biggs was born in Pencader Hundred, New Castle 
County, Delaware, October i, 1821. In his youth he attended private 
schools, and at nineteen years of age went to Pennington Seminary, N. 
J. After two years of study there he taught a private school for two 
years, and then entered Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Connecticut. 

Returning home, he engaged in farming and fruit-growing for twenty 
years. This pursuit is particularly agreeable to him, but his natural and 
acquired capacity brought him into the arena of public life, and he has 
been a prominent figure in the assemblies of the people, besides which 
he has been nearly twenty years president of the Queen Anne's and Kent 
County Railroad, elected to the Constitutional Convention in 1852, director 
of the Citizens' National Bank of Middletown, where he now resides, 
served in Congress four years, 1 869-1 873, and is an active member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

After returning from Congress he again engaged in peach-culture — 
he and his sons now ship about 80,000 baskets a year — but in 1886 he 
was elected Governor of the State of Delaware, which post he filled with 
distinction. 

Governor Biggs is a busy man, enjoys excellent health, is a fluent 
speaker, and is wonderfully popular in his State. He is an active friend 
of every good cause, especially of education, of religion, and of liberty. 
He is outspoken in his sympathy with Ireland, and in deploring her 
wrongs and sufferings. 

The career of ex-Governor B. T. Biggs, of Delaware, naturally 
recalls to mind those other plowmen statesmen — Cincinnatus and Wash- 
ington, 

(See " History of Delaware," Ridgway Branch Philadelphia 
Library.) 

N. H. 



His E^eollQrjey, GoVopqop IS. T. J3iggs, 

Of Dolawape. 



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — I do not sup- 
pose there is a man in the American Union who can make a 
three-minute speech unless he is a graduate of Peirce College. 
Standing before such a bright, intelligent and cultured audi- 
ence as this, I shall only detain you for a few moments in 
order that I may express to you my opinion with reference to 
Professor Peirce's Business College. 

As was said by your honorable Governor, the time has 
passed when you must confine yourselves either to law, to 
divinity, or to physics, the time has come in this free America 
of ours when every boy born under the star-spangled banner 
has an opportunity to reach fame and opulence and wealth, 
and become a distinguished citizen of this great American 
Union. Professor Peirce does not exclude the ladies from his 
College ; he invites them to come and stand side by side with 
the young men, each striving to excel the other. I made 
some remarks the other day before the trustees of Delaware 
College where young ladies were excluded, and I took occasion 
to say that I believed that God's Recording Angel recorded it 
as a sin against any institution that would endeavor to oppose 
co-education. 

Now, sirs, what do you desire ? Fathers, mothers, what is 
your object in life ? First of all, the salvation of your immortal 
souls. Next to that it is the welfare of your children, and if 



244 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

you want to start your sons and your daughters on the high- 
way to prosperity, that they may become honored and respected 
in America and as citizens of the United States, bring your 
son and daughter to Professor Peirce's College. Now, I 
looked at my friend — he has naturally got a most excellent 
countenance — but when I made that remark, I know he said 
in his soul: "Take five minutes, and go on, if you please.'^ 
(Laughter)) 

But these Commercial Colleges are now established all 
over our country, I am glad that Delaware is so near Penn- 
sylvania, for I see the youth of Delaware largely patronizing 
this successful College. Pennsylvania is a great State, great 
in numoers, great in territory, great with her divines, great 
with her lawyers, great with her merchants and statesmen,, 
but remember, with all your greatness, that the great State of 
Delaware expects to be here with you on the 17th of next 
September, to lead that grand procession of the thirty-eight 
States, because a century ago she was the first to sign the 
Constitution, and her sister, Pennsylvania, was the second. 
What great strides have we made in wealth and prosperity I 
The steam engine and the ocean steamer, the telegraph and 
telephone have come to bless and advance our civilization. 
The active, energetic American must succeed, and success will 
follow industry and perseverance. A practical business edu- 
cation is what our youth so much need. It destroys selfish- 
ness, and selfishness is always wrong. 

I don't suppose there is a young lady or a young gentle- 
man that will graduate to-night, or that ever has graduated, or 
that ever will graduate from Professor Peirce's College that 
has the least selfishness about them. 

Young ladies and gentlemen, a gentleman is to follow 
that will address you, but let me say to you as one whose life 
is after him, that is to say, I have seen more days than I ever 
will, and perhaps you have not seen as many, but in your 
course through life do not ever try to take another person out 
that you may have their place. Do not undertake to let 



PEIKCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2_|5 

selfishness predominate. This is a wide, wide world, and 
adopt the sentiment in that verse which says : — 

High on the scroll inscribed on nature's shrine 
Live in bright characters the words divine : 
In all life's changing scenes, to others do 
What you would wish by others done to you. 
Winds wide o'er earth this sacred law convey, 
Ye nations hear it, and let all obey. 

{Applause?) 



6oVopr|OP BoaVor, 

INTRODUCING 

F^o^, Sa.rq. W. cBnqall, 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — The city of Atlanta is looked 
upon, North as well as South, as the best representative of 
what we call in these days the New South. Its commercial 
enterprise, its business activity, its marvelous growth, its far- 
reaching influence are all seen and felt and known and read of 
all men. It is doubtful, however, whether it has given rise to 
anything better known in this country than the man who used 
to be called " Si," of the Atlanta Constitution, a man who is 
known in latter days, well known, deservedly well known and 
gladly known as the Rev. Sam. W. Small, the editor of the 
Southern Evcmgelist. He appears to-night for the first time 
before a Philadelphia audience. I know that a Philadelphia 
audience will give him fraternal greeting, and I present him 
for that greeting. (Applause)) 



Sa.rqu.Ql Whjito cBrn&ll. 



Master of arts, doctor of divinity, lawyer, editor, orator, celebrated 
prohibition apologist, president of the Utah University, etc. 

Few men are subject to the vicissitudes that have marked the career 
of Rev. Sam. W. Small, D. D., who was born in Knoxville, Tenn., July 
3, 185 1. He learned to read almost before he got his first pair of " pants," 
and was early instructed in religion by a pious mother. 

He was graduated at Emory and Henry College, Va., and prosecuted 
his studies for the profession of law in Nashville, Tenn., where he was 
admitted by the Supreme Court and practiced with prospects of dis- 
tinguished success. Meanwhile, he had contracted convivial habits — 
during a sojourn in New Orleans and while employed on the railroad 
between that city and Mobile as express messenger — habits which grew 
into dissipation, when, later, he became connected with the Nashville 
Banner as reporter. Leaving the capital, he retired to the quiet village 
of Greenville, Tenn., where he was assisted in the newspaper business 
by the patronage of Ex-President Andrew Johnson. 

In 1873 ne removed to Texas and became city editor of the Houston 
Mercury — connected with the Daily Telegraph — and owner of the Daily 
Age, but in 1875 ne returned to the Atlanta Constitution, Ga., where he 
made quite a reputation. He was appointed official reporter of the 
Superior Courts of the Atlanta Circuit; commissioner to various conven- 
tions ; attache of the commission to Paris Exposition, 1878 ; stenographer 
of the United States Senate Sub-Committee, 1879-81, and returned to 
journalism, 1881-85, when he was converted under the preaching of Sam. 
Jones, and joined that revivalist in his work during three years. After 
publishing the Southern Evangelist for a year, he became president of 
the Utah University of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His works are: 
"The White Angel of the World" (which contains his autobiography), 
"Pleas for Prohibition," "Old Si's Sayings," etc. As an effective pro- 
hibition orator he is distinguished. N. H. 



l^ov", Sanq. W. Srqall. 



Mr. President, Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentle- 
men of the Graduating Class, and Ladies and Gentlemen, 
Fellow-Citizens of Philadelphia : — I thank you very much 
for the kindness of your greeting. It is certainly reassuring 
to one who comes from the midst of fatiguing labor after long 
travel to appear before this cultured and brilliant audience 
upon this auspicious occasion to offer his little mite to that 
which is prepared to interest you. I have been at a loss for 
something to talk about on this occasion. I know that the 
occasion itself would be inspiring enough to a technical 
speaker, to one versed either in the laws of education or in the 
actual operations of business, and perhaps some one selected 
from those branches might have interested you better for these 
few minutes. But as it is through the kindness of Professor 
Peirce that I have been selected for this part in the programme, 
you will bear with me, I trust, indulgently, pass any imper- 
fection by, and give me the benefit of your charitable 
consideration. 

I do not know, young ladies and gentlemen of this 
Graduating Class, of any better thought that I can present for 
your consideration as you step out from the halls where you 
have acquired your business training to go into the active 
avenues of a business life than to ask you in all sincerity, 
wherever your lines may be cast, wherever your duties may 
be demanded, wherever your influence may be felt, to ever 






PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 249 

carry with you an inspiring and encouraging sense of your 
own individuality. I know that to commend this sort of 
doctrine to young men and young women upon the very 
threshold of their intercourse with the world is not considered 
in some places politic, but, I believe, I can say it to you out 
of the depths of my own experience, that there is nothing that 
will be so valuable to you in your intercourse with your 
fellow-men as a conscious sense of the fact riiat you have 
individuality, and a conscious determination on your part to 
impress the power of your individuality upon all that you 
touch, to make it recognized and esteemed by all with whom 
you come in contact. If there is anything that an American 
citizen ought to prize it is the largeness of his opportunity in 
this God-favored country to make himself, wherever he labors, 
an intellectual and positive energy in the affairs of his day and 
generation. It is a thing not possible in many parts of the 
world; but here, thank -God, it is possible for every man and 
every woman, indeed, in these latter days, to impress the Ego 
of yourself upon all that you touch and upon all with whom 
you have intercourse. I would treat, if I had the time and 
opportunity, briefly upon the individuality of man and woman — 
the " I," the personal pronoun I, which must enter into the 
work of every successful man and woman in the world who 
has a mission or a profession or a line of duties having to do 
with the common, every-day affairs of their fellows. I would 
treat of those five personal pronouns, or five initials, you might 
say, and affirm that, if they are cultivated and conserved, if 
they are injected with all the individuality of a person with 
noble purposes and noble aspirations, and with a determination 
to dare, accomplish and conquer, success will gild at last the 
five points of the star of their life's radiant s*uccess in this 
world. To you these will commend themselves in their order. 
They mean for you first, in your business education, that you 
will have what Professor Peirce to-night at the dinner table 
called " inclination," but which I had intended to call " instinct," 
and I shall take it for granted that the one hundred and 



25O ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

thirteen of you, having passed through the curriculum of 
Peirce College of Business, have demonstrated to him, as you 
propose to demonstrate to the world hereafter, that you have 
had this inclination, or rather this business instinct It has 
led you into the successful prosecution of those labors which 
now are finished, and for which you are to carry out to the 
world in your diplomas the guerdon of your accomplishments 
and the testimony of your capacity. 

Man, I believe, is formed by his Creator, and is filled with 
an instinct for some particular line of duty which it is wisest 
and best in the economy of God and in the economy of his 
dealings with his fellows that he should follow. It is comforting 
at least to the human heart for a man or woman to feel that 
that which they are led most strongly to do has the sanction 
and approval of the God who made them, and, whether it be 
called " natural selection," or whether it be called the " ten- 
dency of selfishness," I prefer to call it the " I," the calling 
and election of every man for his field of responsibility and for 
his duties in the world. And you, young ladies and gentle- 
men, to-night, should, if you have never felt it before, go out 
of this building with this feeling upon you to demonstrate to 
the world that 6( I have been called to a service in the business 
world of this country, and I mean, by industry, by application, 
by the devotion of all my best energies and my most honest 
purposes, to be elected to its highest honor." [Applause) 

But inclination must be supplemented by instruction, and 
I thank God that, as the Governor of your State has eloquently 
said already, in this day of ours avenues and institutions are 
being opened for the most precise and for the most perfect in- 
struction of the youth of the country to pursue the particular 
lines of business which they have selected for themselves. If 
there are any of our processes of civilization and of progress, 
political, material, scientific, agricultural, financial, or in our 
commercial relations with the world which need positive, 
definite, particular, special instruction, it does seem to me to- 
night that it ought to be afforded to those who have to go out 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 25 1 

and deal with the very origin of these enterprises, and with 
the very details of their progress and their successful accom- 
plishment. We can stand a few ignorant politicians and sur- 
vive. We have tried them several times and gotten through 
thus far, thank God. We can get along very well for the 
present at least with a ministry that is not educated up to the 
highest level and the highest possibilities of the age, but who 
have real devotion of heart and the inspiration of the Holy 
Ghost — and, thank God, they are doing their tremendous, their 
valuable and their God-appointed work all over this country 
to-day and to-night. We can get along in this country with 
doctors who still depend upon the " yarbs " (herbs) of the 
earth, and I sometimes think that we had better put our sole 
dependence upon them than upon these crops of young doctors 
that are being started out from some of our medical colleges, 
and the first tenets of whose faith are that they must be 
agnostic before they can roll a pill, and they must be infidel 
before they can doctor a baby. We can get along with old- 
fashioned honesty in banking a while longer if we can by any 
means in the world secure it. But a speech like that would be 
far more apropos in Cincinnati to-night than in Philadelphia, 
for the infidelity of the managers of the Fidelity Bank in that 
city has even appalled the humorous paragraphers of the 
country, a marvel never before seen in the history of this 
world. It is too serious to joke about. {Applause^ 

But when it comes to the business world, to every-day 
transactions, to the application to our processes of trade, of 
financial intercourse and to the dissemination and interchange 
of the various products of this country of ours so wonderfully 
blessed by Providence and so fruitful under the manipulations 
of honest industry, we ought to have much special education, 
in order that the men to whom we entrust these affairs, and 
the women who are to aid us in the accomplishment of our 
hopes in the future, may be perfectly fitted and well adjusted 
to all of these complicated relations. I believe that here, in 
the city of Philadelphia (if outside report is to be believed, 



252 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

and if the commendation of those who have lived here and are 
acquainted with its past history is to be credited), here, in 
Philadelphia, in Peirce College of Business, this city has been 
blessed, and this country is enjoying the fruits of one of the 
best managed, most successful and most honestly conducted 
of these great enterprises for your education and instruction, 
and for your endowment with knowledge to bring out your 
capacities and your abilities. Not only must this instruction be 
in the technical affairs of every-day business, not only in the three 
R's of reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic, but it must not be merely 
a thin veneering of the three R's laid on over the individual^ 
to be scratched through by the first honest friction that he feels 
in the world. It must be the induction and the injection into 
the whole life-work of the individual of the principles of 
business, the principles of honest business, the principles of 
perfect integrity — for integrity is another one of these initial 
" Ps " that must enter into the composition of every business 
life and lend its lustre to the star of destiny and success. I 
long to see the day come in. this country when this instruction 
and this integrity shall be so complete that the business of 
America shall be conducted upon such principles as that dis- 
honest competition, as that false measures, false weights and 
false balances, as that falsely-packed goods and falsely-measured 
goods shall become unknown to the history of our trade. 
{Applause) 

It is a crying and a burning shame upon the commercial 
reputation of Americans of to-day that their goods are kicked 
out of many of the markets of the world that rightfully belong 
to them, and are kicked out for no other reason in the world 
than the shameful reason that they are dishonest goods. I 
want to see the day come, too, under the Providence of God, 
and under the increasing wisdom of the age, when our com- 
mercial men in this country shall be men who are adapted not 
only in the mere details of the counter and counting-house, 
warehouse and packing-room, bank and clothing house, but 
when they shall be well grounded and well instructed from the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 253 

fundamental principles up to the practical application of all 
the truths and principles that underlie political economy and 
the civil conduct of national affairs. I want to see the day 
come when America shall occupy the position that God de- 
signed her to occupy amid the nations of this world. I want 
to see the day come when every pound of exports from an 
American seaport can be carried in hulls built on the American 
coast and carrying the grand old stars and stripes. I say to 
you to-night that it is an insult and a shame to the commercial 
common sense of the American trading world and financial 
world that this government is permitted to foist upon the de- 
risive attention of other nations, and upon our credulity 
and our pocket-books the miserable apology for a navy we 
have got, and the miserable apology they make by word 
of mouth for the absence of commercial shipping in this 
country. 

Why is England " mistress of the seas," and why does 
the Union Jack fly over the great abundance of the carrying 
trade of this world ? It is not because her statesmen are wiser 
than ours. It is not because they know more than our states- 
men do as a rule ; it is not because they have more favored 
political relations than we have or can have, but it is because 
the great trading classes of England have some common 
sense, some common judgment, and some knowledge of 
political economy as applied to business relations around the 
world. And if the American trading public will but study 
enough of political economy to understand the principles that 
underlie the building up of a shipping interest, we will either 
have a shipping interest in this country that Americans can be 
proud of, or we will have not only a change of administration 
but a general wiping out of our representatives at the National 
Capitol. (Applause)) 

We want as the other " I," in this galaxy of personal 
pronouns that enter into the business character of Americans, 
independence — and that is one of the means to get it — we 
want that egotism that shall say : " We will deal with the things 



254 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

that God has given us ; we will make the most out of them 
for ourselves, and we will bless humanity and posterity with 
the results of our labor." Thank God for that egotism which 
springs up in a man and makes him a hero in battle ; that 
makes him monumental in the labors of his statesmanship; 
that makes him remembered forever in the influence he casts 
upon the lives of individuals by the preaching of the word of 
God, or that makes his hand felt in almost every counting-house 
in this country by the results of his faithful instruction of busi- 
ness men and women ; greater still, thank Goa, for that ego- 
tism which grows and flourishes under cultivation, and fruits 
into something that blesses humanity abroad to-day and will 
bless posterity for all ages to come, by daring to do something 
in the face of derisive smiles and the sarcasm and the criticism 
of the world. A man who can be abashed by the charge that 
he is egotistical, a man who can smother and stifle his nobler 
aspirations, who will not lay his hand to some grand work 
that God has inspired in his soul and that he has the idea of 
in his mind because he is afraid the general public will call 
him a " crank " or an egotist, is not the man that this age or 
this generation demands. {Applause) 

I thank God for the egotism of Robert Fulton that pushed 
by his own energy the Clermont up the Hudson. I thank 
God for the egotism of Morse, who said : " I will take the 
lightning that Franklin bottled and harness it to the wire and 
send it careering between Baltimore and Washington" — 
because now it puts a girdle around the globe in less time 
than Puck thought to do it. I thank God for the egotism of 
George H. Corliss, who said, " I not only can, but will make the 
grandest engine the world has ever seen." And he made it, 
and brought it to Philadelphia and put it in that Main Machi- 
nery Building out yonder, and it moved the machinery of all 
the representative nations of the world that were here, as the 
machinery of America ought to do around this globe to-day, 
and if we are true to ourselves it shall be done yet, thank God. 
(Applause) 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 255 

This is not only the meat-house of the world but it is the 
cotton factory of the world by right of nature, by right of 
God's Providence, and we not only want to make it the gran- 
ary here of creation, so far as we can reach it, but we want to 
make it the clothing-house of creation also. Then we want 
to build the machinery that shall run the world, and I say that 
we can do it. All that is needed to accomplish it is for every 
true-hearted American to say, " It shall be done, and / will do 
my part." 

That may be egotism, my brother, my sister, but it is 
more than egotism, it is the very exaltation of patriotism. 
And when we have done that, when we have applied not only 
to all other departments of life but especially to our business 
life that which one hundred and thirteen of you can begin to 
do to-morrow — industry, integrity, instructed energy, inde- 
pendence, aye ! and patriotism, then we can begin to build up 
in this country of ours that manner of posterity and that 
manner of prosperity that God intended we should enjoy. 

We shall have sons who will be shod with the prepara- 
tion of the gospel, who will be girded about the loins with 
truth, who will have their bodies guarded by the breast-plate 
of faith, their shield be righteousness, their manly, sun-lit 
brows be crowned with the helmet of salvation, and their good 
right arms will wield the trenchant, victorious sword of the 
Spirit, which is the Word of God. 

Our daughters will grow up in beauty and comeliness of 
Christian graces. Their feet will be sandaled with truth and 
faith ; their limbs be clothed with robes of purity, on which, 
in silver and gold and prismatic hues, will be embroidered the 
record of their good deeds ; their waists will be encircled with 
the golden girdle of strengthening prayer ; their bosoms 
shielded by the bodice of innocence, covering the virtuous 
heart on which burn vestal fires of love ; from their shoulders 
will drop the mantle of humility, and their hands will dispense 
the golden showers of charity upon the one side and of mercy 
upon the other ; their throats will be wrapped with the pearls 



250 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

of precious words ; their lips will give forth sweet songs of 
praise to God ; their eyes will ever turn in trust to the great 
white throne, whose radiance will glint in the folds of their 
tresses and presage the crown of immortal life that shall press 
their brows in Paradise. 

And these two shall dwell in the splendors and happiness 
of the palace of purity, that rears its walls and dome around 
and over every true and consecrated Christian heart. They 
will go up to it over the broad white flag stones of perfect 
desires ; they will climb up its great steps of geometrically 
and systematically fashioned purposes and ambitions ; they 
will pass between the grand columns of strength and wisdom 
that stand before the Gate Beautiful, with its golden welcome, 
" All that is pure may enter in ; " and in the hall of consecra- 
tion they will put on the insignia of their heaven-given pre- 
rogatives, and pass on into the rotunda of a righteous life, and 
up into the throne-seats of honor in the East. From that 
exalted place, they may contemplate with rapture the ideal- 
ized tableaux of the virtues of their lives. Here the picture 
of Truth — a fair maiden drawing from her exhaustless well the 
waters of sincerity that are poured out for the ennobling and 
refreshing of all people, and over her the glittering legend : 
" Magna est Veritas et prevalebit." There is the tableau of 
Faith, clinging to the rock-rooted cross that towers heaven- 
ward, and around which the wild waves of worldliness, woe 
and passion surge unavailing, their highest spray not touching 
even the hem of her garments. {Applause?) 

Yonder is seen the fair form of Virtue, her beautiful feet 
standing amid the treasures of the upturned cornucopia of 
Fortune, her hands folded in peacefulness across her lovely 
bosom and her golden hair blown into a halo about her head 
by the breezes that are born in the hills of happiness. Here, 
again, is figured the faultless goddess of Justice, standing upon 
the uppermost pole of the earth, holding the scales of God's 
earthly impartiality and weighing out the dues of men in har- 
mony with eternal truth. Over her the constellations gather 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 257 

and glitter in- the edict of Jehovah: " Fiat justitia, mat cesium /" 
There, again, is the sweet face of Charity, swift-paced to carry 
succor and life to the hovel of the poor, the cots of the sick 
and cells of the wretched. And next comes the picture of 
gentle and tender-hearted Mercy, soothing the cares, relieving 
the burdens, reconciling the hearts and ministering- to the 
redemption of all the souls of God's children. And here is 
the grand portrait of the strong, manly apostle of Temperance, 
the embodiment of health, vigor, energy and philanthropy ; a 
giant in all good works, an approved servant of heaven. 
{Applause) 

Over in the West is the grand horologe of Time, count- 
ing out the moments of life in a monotone paean of patience 
and labor, while its great pendulum swings through an arc 
that reaches from the cradle to the tomb. 

In the centre is the Christian's altar, on which praises and 
prayers turn to worshipping incense and pervade the place 
with heavenly odors. 

Up in the high centre of that vast dome blazes the Sun 
of Righteousness, that lightens forever the splendid scene. 
Looking into it, the eye of Faith, strengthened like the young 
eaglet's, can discern the transfigured cross of Calvary, point- 
ing the soul to its home and rest around the throne of God in 
heaven. 

Who are these that thus reign and rejoice? They are 
the Prince Christian and Princess Christiana of the kingdom 
of God on earth. They are the heirs apparent to everlasting 
life and the imperishable possessions of the King of kings ! 
God direct us with His wisdom to so live and use our lives as 
to endow our children with these titles and these palaces of 
purity on earth — these inheritances of the meek, and pure, 
and temperate, and dutiful, in " the city whose builder and 
maker is God." {Cordial and prolonged applause) 



/\ddrQSS of IPrirjoipal I°oireQ 

TO THE 

GrFctduLcLtiqg ©lass. 



This diploma certifies that you have successfully pursued 
the course of business training as prescribed at Peirce College 
of Business, and that you have been found proficient in the 
several branches of the curriculum, and you are hereby recom- 
mended to the favor of those engaged in commercial and 
general business vocations. 

In view of the fact that the Rev. Mr. Jones has accepted 
my invitation to address you in a formal manner, I shall con- 
tent myself with saying that, on behalf of my Faculty and my- 
self, we all wish you God speed. Be good men and good 
women, true to the right and trustful in the God of right. 



— BY — 

QoVopqop BoaVop, 

INTRODUCING 

l^oV, San> "IP. Joqos, 



Young ladies and gentlemen of the Graduating Class, we 
are to be privileged with you in listening to the words of 
advice and encouragement which are to be presented on 
behalf of the Faculty by a gentleman whom I shall now present 
to this audience. You are to carry them with you in the 
business life which, I trust, you are all about to enter. I hope 
they shall influence you in that life, and that they shall guide 
you in the success which, I trust, you are all to attain. I may 
speak for the audience when I say that we esteem it a privilege 
to have with us to-night the two gentlemen — the one who has 
spoken and the one who is to speak — both representative men 
of the New South, but both of them confining their labors to 
no section, but embracing within those labors men of all 
classes and of all conditions, whose labors are as universal 
and as world-wide as the love of the Chief whom they have 
chosen to follow, and whose gospel they proclaim. I now 
have the pleasure of presenting to the audience the Rev. Sam. 
P. Jones, of Georgia. (Applause)) 



OF 

Sarqiaol F^optop Joqos, 



Lawyer, clergyman, revivalist. 

"Sam," as he calls himself, was born in Chambers county, Ala., 
October 16, 1847, and went to Cartersville, Ga., in 1859. 

After the Civil War he studied under various tutors, but was unable 
to take a collegiate course on account of feeble health. 

He was admitted to the bar in 1869, and married one month after- 
ward, but his, private and professional life was a failure on account of a 
passion for drink. 

After his father's death, in 1872, he made a profession of religion, 
and in one week from that time preached his first sermon, entering the 
North Georgia Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
South in the same year. From the first his success as a revivalist was 
remarkable. The first eight years of his ministry he preached about four 
hundred sermons a year. In 1861 he was appointed agent of the Decatur 
Orphans' Home, and since that time has given his services to revival 
work in the large cities of the United States. 

His biography reads very much like that of John B. Gough, only 
with the difference that " Sam " preaches Christ instead of " the pledge " 
as a means of reformation and reclamation fiom the abyss into which 
alcohol sometimes plunges a human being. "The greater includes the 
less." 

Several collections of his sermons, made up from the notes of 
shorthand reporters, have been published. They include " Sam Jones's 
Sermons" (Nashville, 1885); "The Music Hall Series" (Cincinnati, 
1886); and "Quit Your Meanness" (1886); revised edition, entitled, 
" Sam Jones's Own Book " (1887). 

Including the piratical edition of his sermons published in the 
United States and across the waters, there have been perhaps between a 
million and a half and two millions of the various volumes of his sermons 
sold. 

He has held evangelistic meetings in nearly all the States of the 
Union, and preaches to perhaps two million people a year. He is now 
almost constantly engaged in evangelistic work, and he says his work is 
constantly growing. The definite plans for his work are made for twelve 
months ahead. N. H. 



/Iddross to th© Graduatos 
F^oV, Sarq. F\ Joqos, 



Young Ladies and Gentlemen of the Graduating 
Class, Mr. Chairman, and Ladies and Gentlemen of this 
Goodly City of Philadelphia: — It has fallen to my lot at 
this late hour to say something to these young men and these 
young ladies who are soon to go out into the business callings 
of the world. If it was all of life to live or all of death to die, 
I might talk to you, young men, I might talk to you, young 
ladies, of success and of triumphs this side of the grave. But 
let me give you this incident simply to illustrate what I shall 
mean and what shall follow: While we were working in 
Boston a few weeks ago I spent a part of a day with the 
theologues of the Wesleyan University at their boarding-house 
and their room ; we gathered in their parlor ; that was the 
home of one of the leading business men of America ; one of 
Boston's leading merchants — dry goods merchants. He was 
successful in his business ; he built up one of the largest 
businesses in the United States. His name, his firm was the 
synonym of honor and integrity. At last this man came to 
his dying bed ; his friends gathered about him ; he seemed 
morose ; he seemed downcast. He said : " I don't want to die; 
I dread to die." They sat about him and said : " Why, cheer 
up, our friend ; why, if any man in the world ought to die 
happy, it is yourself. If any man ought to die contented, it is 
yourself. Why, look what a business you have built up ; look 
at your fortune to-day — millions of dollars ; did any man ever 
succeed better than yourself? Why, if any man ought to die 



262 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

cheerfully, you are the man." "Ah," he said, "You tell the 
truth; I have accumulated millions. Yes," he said, "I have 
built up a business, and the name of our firm is the synonym 
of integrity. I have tried to be honest, but," said he, " hear 
me ; I would rather be the poorest Christian man that ever 
died in Boston than to be myself this hour of loneliness and 
death." And I say to you young men here to-night it is well 
enough to succeed. I want " my title clear " to something down 
here in this world, but above all things I want " my title clear 
to mansions in the sky." If I have not a dollar in the world 
I can sing, " I am the child of a King, my Father is rich." I 
might have a million dollars and not be able to sing that. 
{Applause') 

Young men, young ladies, let me say this to you as you 
start out in life's busy walks, let me say to you : Carry first 
and above all a strong, abiding faith in God and in the right. 
I like to see a man of faith, the man who says " I believe," 
and feels it in his blood and bones. That man is omnipotent. 
The disciples were men of great power because they believed. 
Give me a man of strong faith. God deliver me from a little 
infidel. I believe in God, and I believe God made me. I go 
a great deal more on involution than I do on evolution. They 
talk very eloquently about evolution coming up from some- 
thing. I wonder when nature will evolute again. I wonder 
will it be a male or female. [Laughter) 

Young men, I believe God made you ; I believe God 
made me. I will say to you another thing : A right faith will 
put you in such relations toward God that He will make you 
over again if you ain't all right, and there's a good deal in that. 
I walked into a jeweler's establishment and I bought this watch. 
The jeweler made the watch, and when I walked out the last 
thing he said to me was : " Mr. Jones, if that watch doesn't 
keep good time bring it back to me and I will make it do it ; 
I made that watch." I have been carrying it now two years. 
Suppose it never had kept time, and I had just been going 
around saying : " This is the poorest watch I ever saw ; it 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 263 

stops every day or two, and it don't keep time." Directly 
somebody will say: "Whom did you buy it of?" "Well, 
Mr. So-and-So." "Doesn't he make watches?" "Yes; he 
made this one." " Did he say anything to you about its not 
keeping time, and, if it didn't, what to do?" "Oh, yes, he 
told me if it didn't keep time to bring it back and he would 
make it keep time, for he made the watch and he could make 
it correct, and it only answered the end for which he made it 
when it kept good time." " Well, have you ever taken it back 
to him?" " No, I don't want to take it back, I just want to 
go around and tell that it won't keep time." And there is 
many a miserable human being in this world who is going 
around and saying : " I am all out of joint ; I can't live right; 
I can't do right." " Well, friend, who made you ? " " God." 
" Well, has He said anything in His word about these poor 
lame fellows going around through the world ? " " Yes, He 
has said a good deal. He says : ' Come back to Me and I 
will make you so you will answer the ends for which you were 
created.' " " Yes ! Well, why don't you go back ? " " Well, 
I just like to go around and tell that I am a hard case." 
(Lai/gkUr.) I say, right relations toward God in the faith of 
the gospel of Jesus Christ will not only take you to God, but 
it will keep you ever under His eye and under His hand, so 
that you may always answer the ends for which God created 
you. Faith ! I believe in the right ; I believe in the ultimate 
triumph of the right. I put myself on the right side, as St. 
Paul said in his last words : " I have fought a good fight." 
Not only have I fought a good fight, but the first thing I did 
was to put myself on the good side, on the right side, and 
then after putting myself squarely on the right side, God said 
to me : " If you will fight I will help you, and if you conquer 
I will crown you." {Applause}) 

I love to see a young man and young lady with a pure, 
child-like faith. I wish we could always be children ; really 
children. Those are the ones that God loves — little children. 
This world grows up out of childhood. It doesn't grow up, 



264 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

it grows down. Let us build a pyramid according to this 
world's highest conception. We will put right at the top of 
that pyramid the grandest man the world has, the most learned 
doctor of laws, or rather the richest man — yes, we will put 
him on top. And now right under his feet we will put the 
learned doctors of the law, and right under their feet — and you 
see the pyramid spreading towards the base — and right under 
their feet we will put all the business men of the world. Then 
we come on down to the sturdy farmer, and right at the base 
of the pyramid we put all the children, and Jesus Christ walks 
up to the pyramid and places one hand under it and puts the 
other on top and he says : " The wisdom of this world is fool- 
ishness with God ; except ye become as these little children, 
ye can in no wise enter the Kingdom of Heaven." To be a 
child in faith. I don't mean that sort of faith that is always 
running around asking the Lord for something, a little trusting 
faith such as these little bits of children have. " Mamma, give 
me something to eat ;" " Mamma, put me to bed ; " ''Mamma, 
wash my face ; " " Mamma, save this candy till I cry again." I 
don't mean that sort But a faith that commits men to God ; a 
faith that simply joins the army and goes right to God for march- 
ing orders, and when a true soldier goes up and gets marching 
orders, and goes forth in obedience to commands, then it is 
the business of the head of that army to see that rations are 
forthcoming; to see to that fellow who is marching to the 
front, and I say to you, if you take marching orders and obey 
them, God will harness up every angel in heaven by your side 
loaded with heaven's bread and angel's food if you go along 
with hope and obey his commands ; a faith that says, " Good 
Lord, I am thine, thine to command ; speak Lord, thy servant 
heareth." That's it ; I want a well-grounded faith in a young 
man or young lady. {Applause}) 

Then the next thing I want is a courage that dares to do 
right and dares to be true ; a courage that can say, No ; a 
courage that can say, Yes. There is many a boy in this town 
to-night in bar-rooms, and the step that led him into the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 265 

bar-room was at that point when he could not say, No. There 
are many boys to-day upon the earth that have never succeeded 
because they did not have the power to say, Yes. 

I like the way they construct trains nowadays. You see 
that throttle on the engine ? What is that ? That is the go- 
ahead power. You see those air-brakes and that lever? Yes; 
what is that ? That is the stopping power, and a first-class 
young man has got the throttle power to pull out when you 
get on a straight line and move off, and then he has that air- 
brake power, the power to stop ; and, young men, no train in 
this country is safe without air-brakes, and no train can go 
anywhere without the throttle lever which the engineer pulls 
back, and that is the power to go ahead. 

Courage ! I like a brave boy. A great many people 
think, "Well, if I am a Christian, I will have to be a coward 
the balance of my life." You never made a greater mistake. 
You learned that from your old grandmother, didn't you ? 
You may take the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and God 
never did choose one man or any man to do or dare for Him 
but what that man was game from head to foot. God himself 
despises a coward, and so do you. Why, the greatest blessing 
God ever bestowed upon a community is a game preacher. 
The greatest blessing God ever bestowed upon a State is a 
game Governor that is not afraid of a man on earth. The 
greatest blessing God ever bestowed upon a community in this 
land is a game Christian that will dare to do right and dare to 
be true. {Applause?) 

Now, sometimes public opinion is a fearful thing. Many 
a soldier that stood before the blazing mouths of a thousand 
cannons without the quiver of a muscle came home and 
would cow and wince and whine in the presence of public 
opinion; he is afraid of public opinion. There was one once 
who did not fear public opinion. " I don't care." Do you 
know what became of " I don't care?" I tell you he was 
crucified on Calvary between two thieves. He didn't care 
what men said or what men did. A great many of us are 



266 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

afraid of being called " cranks." I sort of like that title, 
" crank." Call me an enthusiast, call me a crank, call me all 
these things, that's all right ; I will wear them the best I can, 
and at last I will throw them down at my Master's feet as 
emblems of my loyalty to Him. Some months ago they 
shipped a machine out West, and when it reached its destina- 
tion they put it up and it was all in first-class working order, 
but they telegraphed back immediately: "The machine is 
here and in first-class order in every way, but you forgot to 
send the crank and we cannot use it." (Laughter?) 

There is many a church in Philadelphia that is in first- 
class running order, and if she just had a crank in the pulpit 
she would go ahead all right. 

What is crankiness, young man ? It is the individuality 
that the first speaker told you of, the one who gave you the 
annual address. It is individuality. I like to see a man just 
grow up like God made him. Now I have seen college-made 
men and self-made men, but God Almighty made me from 
head to heels, and I have never interfered with His job one 
particle. It is really invigorating to see a fellow who has 
never tried to be like anybody else in the world; never imitated 
anybody else ; a man original in his methods, original in his 
movement. Take your man W T anamaker, of this town, an 
individual man that moved out on his own account, and every 
preacher in America now can buy clothes 10 per cent, under 
price. That is the only thing that I have against our good 
brother, Wanamaker, for starting that programme, and now 
every preacher in America is going around with a half-fare 
ticket in his pocket and buying his clothes 10 per cent, 
below price, and he looks as if he was trying to apologize 
for being in this world at all. I want to see every preacher 
pay whole fare on the railroads, and one hundred cents on 
the dollar for everything he buys, and hold up his head 
and be a man. I would rather be one true, loyal, noble, 
honest, upright man than to be a thousand preachers with 
the manhood sapped out of me. Courage ! To speak your 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 267 

sentiments, that dares to do the right and dares to be true. 
{Applause}) Then if I had faith in the right, and had put 
myself with the right, and then had the courage always to 
speak out, " If it is right, I will do it ; if it is wrong, I won't 
do it ! " I believe I would want some downright honesty. 
They say honest men are born — not made. I don't know 
about that. I heard of one honest man once, and when they 
showed him to me and I saw him walking about in the flesh 
through the town, I thought once I would walk out and hold 
him and take his hand, and look him in the face, and ask him 
if he didn't feel mighty lonesome. An upright, downright, 
honest man. Of course he would not be lonesome in Phila- 
delphia. Down in my country he is. If I was down there, 
I would say it was up here. [Laughter') 

Honesty ! "An honest man is the noblest work of God." 
I wish every human being on earth would incorporate that 
into his life and be honest. I would rather lead my wife and 
children out into the streets, bareheaded and barefooted, to- 
morrow, and hungry and homeless, knowing that I had not in 
any transactions of my life acted dishonorably, than to own 
this city, knowing that I didn't get it rightly and honestly. 
I suppose you young men have been too busy to invest in 
Louisiana State Lottery tickets, wheat futures, etc. Let me 
tell you, young men, gamble in anything you please, and win 
your hundred thousand dollars gambling, if you will, I would 
rather be that honest boy yonder that ploughed six days all 
day long, from sunup to sundown, for a silver dollar — I 
would rather have that one dollar than the hundred thousand 
you won from the Louisiana State Lottery. You may gam- 
ble and speculate for it, but when you get it you are a ruined 
boy or man, but when that honest boy, who has worked all 
the week for that dollar — when Saturday night comes, he can 
flip it into his pants pocket, and when he goes to bed he can 
put it under his head, and the eagle on the dollar will turn to 
a nightingale and sing him to sleep. A good, honest fellow — 
the dollar of our daddies. 



268 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

If there is anything within these last few weeks that has 
gladdened my heart, it is the fact that so many have gone 
down in hopeless ruin under this last speculation we have had 
in this country. If every man had succeeded in that specula- 
tion, in less than fifty years from to-day you couldn't get one 
man, woman or child to strike a lick of work ; the whole 
business would be speculating. Get your money honestly. 
I will say another thing. If you go to bookkeeping, if you 
get a position as cashier in a bank — it don't make any differ- 
ence what you get — young men, recollect honesty is not only 
right and not only the best policy, but you had better be care- 
ful, young men, how you handle trust funds. Many a boy 
has just taken out five cents, a dollar, he is going to put it 
back ; ten dollars, he no more intended to steal it than he 
intended to fly, but, boys, taking money out of the drawer or 
out of business without the knowledge or consent of your 
employer, no matter how you may look at it, is stealing, and 
sooner or later you will be branded as a common thief before 
the country. Why, I hear it said now among merchants, " I 
would rather give a boy that I can bank on $2,500 or $3,000 
a year than to give $1,000 to a boy that I cannot tell, to save 
my life, whether he is stealing from me or not." Let me say 
this, young men ; whenever a young gentleman clerks for $40 
a month and spends $30 on carriage hire, $10 on the theatre, 
$15 for wine, $20 for cigars, and $20 a month on his mous- 
tache and so on — I heard of one of that class ; his employer 
found out that he was spending $160 a month and he was 
only getting $40, and he took him into his back room and said 
to him, " Look here, where are you getting all this money 
that you are spending ?" He said, " My stepmother sends it 
to me." My ! My ! Who ever heard of a stepmother sending 
a boy a lot of money ? And there is many a boy in America, 
if his stepmother is not sending him money, is doing some 
tall stealing. You can put that down. {Applause}) 

Honesty ? Be honest before God and honest before man, 
remembering this, that character outranks everything. I 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 269 

would rather be Lazarus, dying at the rich man's gates, with 
the dogs for my doctors and be an honest man, than to be a 
Dives in hell forever, though he had everything that wealth 
could get. And another point. You all cannot be rich ; you 
cannot all be great ; you all cannot be Wanamakers in busi- 
ness, but you can be downright, upright, first-class young 
men and young ladies, and I would rather be a first-class 
young man or a first-class young woman than be a king and 
be of any other class. Do you hear that ? We have got too 
many two-legged things walking about. We need more men, 
and we need more women of the higher, better type. When 
I was in Kentucky and Tennessee, preaching a year or two 
ago, a good old Methodist brother came to me and said, 
"Jones, you must denounce this horse-racing and this raising 
of fine stock. The people are just going to the devil here, 
raising fine stock." " Well," said I, " I won't do any such 
thing; I won't do it; I won't denounce any such business." 
Said I, " These farmers are improving the stock of horses, 
and I love to see a blooded animal and I love to be behind 
one. I don't want to be a fool and ride one of them to death, 
but at the same time I like this improvement in stock ; and I 
wish to God we could get up some sort of a plan to improve 
the stock of folks in this country. We are running mighty 
low." {Laughter}) That is the truth. A first-class young 
man and a first-class young woman who are not afraid to do 
right, and who are not afraid to be true, in any calling of life. 

Then if I had a young man who was brave in the right, 
and I could trust him anywhere, and trust him under all cir- 
cumstances, then I would want him to be a temperance boy. 
I like these temperance folks ; I ran with the other crowd until 
I was twenty-four years of age, and I ran within a half a mile 
of hell. I know what I am talking about. {Applause') 

And now I want to say to you, young ladies and gentle- 
men, the biggest fool this world ever saw — no, the second 
biggest fool — is a young lady that will marry a young man 
whose breath smells of whiskey. Do you hear that? But 



27O ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the biggest fool I ever saw is one of these little sap-headed 
women that will marry a fellow and then stir his toddies for 
him and help to make him a drunkard and damn him to hell 
forever — playing bar-room and bar-keeper for her husband. 
Young men, you need to be temperate. A young fellow said 
to me once, " Jones, I am a temperance man, but I am not a 
teetotaler. A man can be a temperate man without being a 
teetotaler. If you are a teetotaler you are intemperate ; if you 
drink too much you are intemperate. I hold that to be tem- 
perate is just to take a little." "Well," said I, " if a fellow 
cusses too much he is intemperate, and if he don't cuss at all 
he is intemperate, and he would have to cuss a little to be 
temperate, I reckon." It's a poor rule that won't work both 
ways. {Laughter.) I say to you, young men, be sober ; and 
I say to you, young ladies, never receive the attentions of a 
young man who touches or tastes or handles the cup. Be 
temperate. If I had that instilled in my heart thoroughly as 
a young man, never to touch or taste liquor in any form, then 
I believe I would cultivate the spirit of patience. Young 
men we need a great deal of patience. It is so natural 
for a boy to imagine that he is mistreated, you know, 
that he does not get his deserts. I will tell you, boys, you 
never have got your deserts, and that's what's the matter with 
a heap of you; some of you are away behind on spanking 
until this day. {Laughter.) It will naturally come along in 
life that you will think yourself mistreated, and you will forget 
to be polite and patient. I like a polite boy and I like a polite 
man. I want to be so polite that when I get off the train I 
want to go along up by the engine and thank the engineer for 
bringing me in safe and on time. I want to be so polite I will 
thank the fireman and say to him, " You have had a hard 
time ; I have had an easy one, and I am much obliged to you 
for your part in it." I want to thank the conductor ; I want 
to thank the porter in the way of fifty cents or a dollar, or 
something of that sort. I want to thank my waiter at the 
table in the same way. Oh, how many thankless people there 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. ■ 2J\ 

are in this world, and how we do want a few to make life 
agreeable to these servants of the public. (Applause}) 

Then I want to be kind and thankful and patient to my 
mother and to my father. I want to be patient to my brothers 
and my sisters ; I want to cultivate the spirit of patience and 
kindness towards everybody in the world, and, young men, 
recollect, this patient continuance in well-doing will bring its 
reward every time. Don't you quit one man because you 
do not think he has treated you just right. Don't quit one 
and go to another. You go and go there to stay, and go 
there to stay until they cannot do without you, and when that 
time comes they will pay you, no matter what they have to 
pay you. I know a young man, in my State, who started as 
a water-carrier, then he swept the house out, and then he took 
packages, and then he came along until in a busy rush they 
let him sell goods, and that young man, at the age of twenty- 
five, is an indispensable necessity to that business, and the 
leading man of the firm said, " I could afford to pay him 
$5,000 or $6,000 a year rather than give him up, though my 
business only amounts to some $40,000 or $50,000 a year, for 
he is absolutely essential to my business." (Applause.) Let 
it be known wherever you go that you are brave in the right, 
that you believe in prayer meetings and believe in the Church. 
Law me ! If I was a girl how I would stick to one of those 
wool-hat boys that go to Sunday-school and prayer meeting. 
An average 19th century girl will turn up her nose at one of 
that sort — one of these wool-hat boys that comes to town with 
his jean pants on. And wherever you see one of these lasses 
with her nose turned up, you may take it for granted the devil 
has got a mortgage on her nose which he is going to foreclose 
some day and get the whole girl with it. (Laughter) Now 
when you see a young man come to town with his hair parted 
in the middle, tooth-pick shoes and cut-away coat, and his 
pants looking as if he had been melted and poured into them, 
why, the girls say he is just irresistible, and every girl in town 
will be after him, and he is really getting $50 a month, but 



2J2 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

he spends $100, and by and by one of the girls catches him. 
I was at her house, her father's house, one day, after she had 
been married about a year, and when I sat down to the table, 
directly a pale, sad-looking girl came down to the table, and 
they introduced her as their daughter. When she walked out 
they said : " Brother Jones, that is our poor unfortunate 
daughter ; she married a dude about a year ago, and we don't 
know where he is now ; he's gone." My ! My ! My ! I really 
think these fast young men of the city spending twice what 
thev make — I really think, if you were going to comb or 
rak'e me a son-in-law out of perdition, you could not do any- 
thing worse than to palm one of them off on my daughter, to 
deceive her and break her down, and the first thing you know 
she's looking like a whip-poor-will, at my house minus her 
husband. Young ladies, look out for these fellows, for if you 
get a good job they will be around to see you. And some of 
these mothers are so awfully afraid if they do not push their 
daughters out into society, into the ball-room and germans of 
all sorts, they will die old maids on their hands. Well, now, 
really, I think some of your daughters need pushing, really, I 
do ; but, if you have a noble, true, sweet-spirited girl at your 
house, you needn't push her a single step ; they will find her 
out if they have to go a hundred miles to do it. Why, bless 
your life, I went five hundred miles and hunted out one of that 
class. {Applause.) 

Young men, you will soon start out into the world, not 
only to choose your business, but many of you to choose 
partners. Let me say to you, young men, I danced with the 
girls, and I frolicked with the girls, and I had a good time 
with the girls, but when I wanted to get me a wife I went to 
a prayer meeting. I hunted her up and I would not give her 
for all the ball-room girls in this State, either. Somebody 
asked my wife where she went to get her husband. They got 
away with her. (Laughter.) 

Then, if I had this element of patience in my character, 
" Learn to labor and to wait," to be patient, patient with 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 273 

everybody and say, " I am doing right, and right is going to 
win, and I am willing to wait for it," for patience is nothing but 
the mile-post to tell you how much farther you have to go and 
how far you have gone, I would take along also in the battle 
of life, if I would succeed, the element of knowledge — knowl- 
edge of right, knowledge of human nature. I would study 
man closely, I would study books, I would study everything 
that came into my reach, for knowledge is the hand-maid of 
character and righteousness to dress their charms and make 
them more lovely, and if I wanted true knowledge I would go 
to the little book. I always carry one with me. It is a power- 
fully good thing — the Bible, the Word of God. Take that 
along with you. Read your Bibles. Study to know what 
the right is, and then, if you know these things, happy are 
you if you do them. {Applause}) 

And then I would have the spirit of love. The best way 
to conquer anybody is by the spirit of love. To love God 
and to love man makes you a free man. You can do as you 
please, a man that loves God as he loves himself, and loves 
his neighbors as he loves himself, does not seek to do any evil, 
does not seek to do any harm ; he will not harm any one. 
Love ! Love ! When Alexander wanted to conquer this 
world he mustered his forces and blood flowed like a river, 
and poor Alexander died a* conquered, wretched man. When 
Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to conquer Europe he mustered 
his forces and covered all Europe with blood, and poor Napo- 
leon died a banished wretch on the island of St. Helena. When 
Jesus Christ wanted to conquer this world, he told Peter to 
put up his sword, that he that shall fight with the sword shall 
perish by the sword; and Jesus walked up on Calvary and 
laid down and died, and to-day Christ has well nigh conquered 
the world to Himself, and the day shall come when every knee 
shall bow and every tongue shall confess Him Lord of all. 

Love ! Young men, carry about in your heart love for all 
humanity, and if you have got an enemy, don't go and raise a 
row with him and fight it out, but kill him with love. That is 



274 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the best weapon you ever fought with in your life, and when 
you start out on that line you are bound to conquer. That 
is like where one gentleman bought another's plantation. 
When he moved in they told him, "You cannot live near 
your neighbor." He said, " Why ?" They said, " He will tor- 
ment the life out of you. Why, that is the reason you bought 
that place so cheap." He said, " I can live by him. If he 
fools with me I will kill him." They went to him and told 
him that his neighbor said if he fooled with him he would kill 
him, so he just went to work and tormented him in every way 
he could ; he would throw rocks at his stock, throw his fences 
down, and torment him in every way in the world he could, 
and this good man who had moved in, whenever he would kill 
a mutton he would send him over a quarter of it. When his 
stock would get in the field he would have them caught and 
sent home, and he kept on in that way until one day the bad 
neighbor was coming from town and got stalled on a big hill, 
and the new neighbor came along up behind him and unhitched 
his horses and helped him up the hill, and said, " Now, my 
neighbor, I will stay back with you and help you all the way 
home." The other said, " I heard you were going to kill me, 
but now I know what with ; it is with the weapon of kindness 
and love, and you have killed me and I am kneeling here dead 
at your feet, and I am going to make you the best neighbor 
you ever had in the world." That is the way to kill a fellow, 
then you don't have to bury him ; you don't have to make a 
widow out of his wife and orphans out of his children. Just 
kill him with love and let him get up a live, decent man. 
(Applause) 

These elements come in, young men, for it is not the pro- 
fession you choose, not the college you graduate from (and 
if I had a boy seeking a business profession, I don't know a 
college in America that I would rather send him to than 
Peirce College, here, to be qualified for his work). But hear 
me ; it is not what college, it is not what business you enter, 
it is the sort of a fellow that graduates when you get your 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 275 

diploma ; it is not what business you are going into, it is what 
sort of a fellow is going into it. Do you see ? Young men, 
let me convince you of this fact, if you are all right in your- 
self, and you start out right, you are going to end right. If 
you keep the commandments of God and do your duty to God 
and man, success will reward you. That's it. And now let 
me say to you, if you start out in this line — human nature 
goes lame ; you are going to have falls, boys ; I have had 
many a one, but I have learned to fall like an India rubber 
ball, I bounce higher than I fall. If you ever get tripped 
up and get a fall, don't lie there, get up and run on. When 
I was a boy and hunted rabbits in Kentucky (and we boys 
hunted rabbits in snow about ten inches deep), when we went out 
we did not take his forward track first, but took his back track 
and traced him back to his den, and we would put our hands 
down in his den, and if it was warm we would know he 
couldn't have been gone long, and then we would run right on 
and catch him. Now, when you fall, don't lie there long 
enough to warm the ground. If you do, the devil will be 
along in a few moments, and if the ground is warm he will 
catch you. But when you fall, fall like an India rubber ball, 
bounce higher than before you fell. Determine to be a man 
and don't go lame. {Applause}) 

A word or two more, and I will conclude. I have talked 
an hour, which is long enough for a little evangelist to talk 
to a big Philadelphia audience, isn't it ? {Laughter}) Remem- 
ber, young men, we go lame. Away back yonder, six thou- 
sand years ago, God said to Eve, ''the serpent shall bruise 
your heel, but you shall bruise his head." Now, I have been 
watching this world for a few years, and the whole business is 
going lame; do you know that? You take the best man in 
Philadelphia and let him look back over the past and he will 
say, " I have been going a poor, lame gait all these years." 
Take the best church, it goes lame on one foot ; it has its 
hypocrites and bad members who take part in the ceremonies 
it may be and things often do not go as one would have 



276 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

them in this world. Take all humanity, it is going lame in 
one foot, but for every lame man you ever saw the devil's head 
was bruised. " He shall bruise your heel, and you shall 
bruise his head." Young man, live right, if you do go lame ; 
go straight on and do your duty, although you are lame, and 
the day will come whan Satan's head will be smashed out flat 
and God will heal your wounds, and you will walk the golden 
streets forever. 

Young men and young women, God grant that you may 
so live that you may not only win honors and wealth in this 
life, but win the crown of everlasting life in the world to come. 
And how, as we start out, let us determine to-night, " I will 
keep myself pure, unspotted from the world ; I will live a life 
of faith ; I will be industrious in all my callings ; I will be 
honest, I will be patient, I will be gentle and loving in my 
temper, I will do right towards God and man." And when we 
see poor human nature in all its ugliness, I often think of what 
I saw in Central Park in New York — those immense jagged, 
rugged rocks there. When they first thought of the Park, 
they estimated the cost of removing this rock, and it was 
thousands and thousands of dollars, but finally they concluded, 
at the suggestion of the engineer's wife, not to move the rocks, 
but to plant the honeysuckle and ivy and other vines to climb 
and intertwine their leaves over the rocks, to blossom and shed 
their fragrance on all around ; and now you go to the Park this 
month, and the brightest and prettiest place in the Park is these 
rocks which have been so adorned ; and these vines have 
climbed up in all their beauty and shed their fragrance around. 

And we should plant upon this old, ugly, jagged nature 
of yours and mine the graces of love and joy and gentleness 
and kindness and faith, and let them grow up and twine and 
intertwine about our characters and shed their fragrance on 
all the earth about us, and then we will be happy here and be 
a blessing to the world, and when we come to die we will 
enter into that world " where the wicked cease from troubling 
and the weary are at rest." {Enthusiastic applause)} 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peine School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Wednesday Evening, Sept. 19, 1888, 



AT 7.3O O CLOCK. 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-THIRD SCHOOL YEAR. 



PROGRAMMED 



Wednesday KVe'g, Sept. 19, 1888 

MUSIG BY 

Bastert's Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.30 O'CLOCK, 

W. D. BASTERT, Conductor. 



OVERTURE— "Zampa," Herold 

PIZZICATO— "Reve Apres le Bal," Bustet 

SELECTION— "Nadjy " {new) Chassaigne 

MARCH— "Fountain Gun Club;' Wiegand 

FACULTY, GRADUATES AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. WILLIAM SWINDELLS, D. D. 
"Lovely Paraphrase" Nesvadba 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
Ex-Gov. ROBT. E. PATTISON, 

President Chestnut Street National Bank. 

"Recollection of R. Wagner's Tannhauser" Hamm 

Annual Address, Rev. RUSSELL H. CONWELL, 

President Temple College. 

WALTZ— "Motto," Strauss 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 
SELECTION—"/^," Braham 

Address to the Graduates, R. J. BURDETTE, 

Late of Burlington Hawkeye. 

GAVOTTE— "My Heart's Desire," Schrappe 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 
GALOP— "Je Toller Je Besser," Carr 



List of ©paduatos, ©lass of '88. 



Ambler, William S Pennsylvania. 

Atherholt, Joseph Octavius Pennsylvania. 

Bader, Frank Elwood Pennsylvania. 

Bain, Edwin Martin . Pennsylvania. 

Bathurst, Charlie White Pennsylvania. 

Beaver, Tillie Pennsylvania. 

Beidelman, John Davis • • Pennsylvania. 

Betz, George Washington Pennsylvania. 

Blatter, Katie Pennsylvania. 

Boggs, William Rulon New Jersey. 

Brunner, Melvin Jones Pennsylvania. 

Brindle, John Wesley Boon Maryland. 

Burk, Newton Elvin Pennsylvania. 

•Cannon, Patrick William Pennsylvania. 

Clark, William Trask Pennsylvania. 

Clayton, David Simpson Pennsylvania. 

Cooper, Annie . Pennsylvania. 

Crockett, Alfred Niven Delaware. 

Daugherty, George Hammond Pennsylvania. 

Davis, Anthony Elton Pennsylvania. 

Davis, Ellison Horner New Jersey. 

Davis, John Cassin Pennsylvania. 

Delp, Irwin Nice . Pennsylvania. 

Eisenberg, Horace T. Miller Pennsylvania. 

Ely, Charles Allen New Jersey. 

Fairlamb, R. Crosby Pennsylvania. 

Felton, John Sibley Pennsylvania. 

Ferry, John Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Fister, Franklin Seltzer Pennsylvania. 

Fitzjarrell, Harry Alton Maryland. 

Flanagan, John William Pennsylvania. 

Fleck, James Milton Pennsylvania. 

Focht, George Theodore . . Pennsylvania. 

Frank, Jacob, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Freeny, James William Delaware. 

Gilbert, Harry Widener Pennsylvania. 

Gilfillan, Robert George Pennsylvania. 

Goodley, Charles Pusey Pennsylvania. 

Graham, Edgar Draper Delaware. 



280 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Gross, Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Haines, Joseph Elmer New Jersey. 

Hance, William John Wesley Pennsylvania. 

Hankey, Bladen Edwin Pennsylvania. 

Heebner, George Krieble Pennsylvania. 

Heist, Harry H Pennsylvania. 

Henon, Katie V Pennsylvania. 

Hinkson, Thomas Edwin Pennsylvania. 

Hoffman, Edward Hancock . . . Pennsylvania. 

Hoffner, John Vautier Pennsylvania. 

Hopkinson, Frank Lawrence " Pennsylvania. 

Horsey, Elmer Pancoast Delaware. 

Hub, Charles Pennsylvania. 

Jeffrey, William Stewart, J r New Jersey. 

Judge, William Barr, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Kauffman, John Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Keller, Emma S ......... Pennsylvania. 

Keyser, Clara Detwiler Pennsylvania. 

Legg, Thomas William Pennsylvania. 

Leidy, Clara May Pennsylvania. 

Levis, Eugene Elliott Pennsylvania. 

Lewis, William Bernard .....*" Pennsylvania. 

Lindsey, Frank Clinton . Pennsylvania. 

Lloyd, Charles Williams Pennsylvania. 

Loeb, Leonard May Pennsylvania. 

Lyndell, Joseph Henry Pennsylvania. 

Maguire, Edward Thomas, J r Pennsylvania. 

Major, Horace Pennsylvania. 

Malkames, John Samuel Pennsylvania. 

Martin, Hugh Delaware. 

Mehler, Charles, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Montgomery, Frances D Pennsylvania. 

Moore, Edwin Thomas Pennsylvania. 

Moore, William Park Pennsylvania. 

Munday, Daniel Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Musgrave, Albert Floyd Pennsylvania. 

McArdle, John Pennsylvania. 

McCracken, Charles Wesley ,. . Pennsylvania. 

McHugh, John Vincent Pennsylvania. 

McKay, John Pennsylvania. 

Neal, James Bernard Pennsylvania. 

Nelson, George Everitt Pennsylvania. 

Netter, Simon Pennsylvania. 

Nye, Frank Atkinson New Jersey. 

O'Neill, Sadie Fabiana Pennsylvania. 

Pancoast, William Stacy New Jersey. 

Parker, Edgar Jordan Pennsylvania. 

Phillips, John W Pennsylvania. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 251 

Rambo, George Thompson New Jersey. 

Rath, Louis Frederick . . Pennsylvania. 

Rattay, Mahlon Bryan Pennsylvania. 

Reber, George, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Ritchie, Alfred Ernest Pennsylvania. 

Rummel, Matilda Pennsylvania. 

Rutherford, Frank Berriman Pennsylvania. 

Schissler, Aloysius Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Schlesinger, Claudia Pennsylvania. 

Schuler, Anna Margretta Pennsylvania. 

Schwarz, Henry Gustav Pennsylvania. 

Shields, William Augustus Hentz Pennsylvania. 

Smith, William Colton Pennsylvania. 

Spies, Christian Pennsylvania. 

Stafford, Randal Brown New Jersey. 

Taylor, William Pennsylvania. 

Terry, William Herbert • • ■ Pennsylvania. 

Tharp, James Henry New Jersey. 

Thurston, Eaton Alexander Pennsylvania. 

Uhl, Annie Mary Pennsylvania. 

Unkel, Fred, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Weihmann, Amelia Pennsylvania. 

Whitaker, William Delany Pennsylvania. 

Wilson, William Henry , Pennsylvania. 

Woods, Robert John Gilmore Pennsylvania. 

Yarnall, William Davis Pennsylvania. 

Ziegler, John Jones, Jr ■ • -Pennsylvania. 

Ziegler, Lewis Davis, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Total. One Hundred and Fifteen. 



E>iocjr&p]^i©a.l Sl^oteh; 
Williarq Swir^ dolls. 



Doctor of divinity, popular preacher, late presiding elder, superin- 
tendent of the new Methodist Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia, mem- 
ber of General Conference since 1880, member of various M. E. Church 
societies. 

Born November 29, 1842, he was licensed to preach when only 
eighteen years of age. After serving several charges as pastor, including 
St. George's, Western and Wharton Street, Philadelphia, he was appointed 
presiding elder of the North Philadelphia District, 1879, an d of the 
Northwest Philadelphia District in 1881. He was, at the close of his 
official term, assigned by request of the church to Paul Street Church, 
Frankford, Philadelphia. At the end of two years he was elected cor- 
responding secretary of the Philadelphia Conference Tract Society, but 
was appointed presiding elder again and stationed on the South Phila- 
delphia District. At the close of another successful four years' term in 
the eldership he was, at the request of the Conference, appointed super- 
intendent of the new Methodist Episcopal Hospital . in Philadelphia. 
After raising a large sum of money for that institution he was, at his 
own request, returned to the pastorate, and appointed to the Kensington 
M. E. Church, Philadelphia, of which he is still pastor. 

He was elected a member of the General Conference of 1880, 1884, 
1888, 1892, and made for himself a good record in each, both as a popu- 
lar speaker and a wise and safe legislator. 

He is a member of a number of church organizations, such as 
Board of Church Extension ; Board of Education ; the Philadelphia 
Conference Tract Society ; the Philadelphia Conference Historical 
Society ; the City Mission and Church Extension Society ; Board of 
Trustees of the Conference ; Board of Trustees of the Hospital, etc., etc. 

In the year 1887, Dickinson College conferred on him the honorary 
degree of doctor of divinity. Doctor Swindells is a faithful pastor, a 
preacher of great force, and an indefatigable worker. N. H. 



I°payop 

BY THE 

Y^eY. Williarq Swiq dolls, ID. E>., F>. E. 



Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, in our hearts we 
bow down before Thee and worship Thee, acknowledging that 
Thou art God alone. We thank Thee that Thou hast declared 
unto us Thy nature and character and Thy gracious purposes 
concerning us. We feel our need of Thee, and we appeal from 
our weakness to Thy strength, from our ignorance to Thy 
wisdom, from our darkness to the effulgence of all the light 
in Thee, and we bless Thy name that Thou hast made Thy- 
self not only accessible but available to us, so that we may not 
only seek but obtain of Thee the things that we need. We 
thank Thee for our being, and rejoice even in the responsibilities 
that are entailed by the intellectual and moral endowments 
with which Thou hast favored us ; and realizing that we are 
responsible to Thee for the use of our powers and time, we 
pray that gracious things may ever fall upon our minds and 
hearts, directing us in the ways of truth and righteousness. 
W T e thank Thee for the times in which we live, for the 
encouragements to high living and right living. We thank 
Thee for the land in which we live, for the nation of which we 
form a part, for our multiplied industries for the wage-payer 
and the wage-earner, for the opportunities that appeal to the 
best of motives in us. We thank Thee that Thou hast raised 
up so many who, by their intelligence and energy and thrift 
and high motives, have exemplified in their lives the possibili- 
ties of reaching the highest success by honorable methods. 



284 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

We pray that Thy blessing may rest upon us to-night; that 
while institutions of learning shall be favored by the light of 
Thy countenance, Thou wilt especially bless the institution at 
whose call we have come here to-night. We praise Thee for 
the prosperous year that we now celebrate, and for the almost 
quarter century of prosperity with which Thou hast crowned 
this College; and may Thy benediction ever rest upon the 
Principal and his Faculty; may Thy favor abide to-night upon 
these who, with the seal of this College, go out from these 
exercises to various secular pursuits ; may Thy favor abide 
upon this graduating class, upon each member thereof; and 
as they shall each seek a path in life, dictated by soundness 
of judgment and enlightened understanding and quickened 
conscience, prosper them in all their plans ; and we pray that 
when life shall close, as they look back upon their career and 
measure and weigh their achievements, they may be able to 
look above and find in the light of God's countenance the 
approving smile of Him who has appointed Himself to preside 
over our life and destiny. We beseech Thee that in all these 
exercises Thou wilt grant us a sense of Thy divine presence. 
Accompany each through the journey of life. Bring us all at 
last to the general assemblage of the good in Heaven, for 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



]Biograph|i©al Sl^ot©]^ 
T^obort ErqoPLj I°a.ttisoq, 



Doctor of laws, lawyer, financier, statesman, twice Governor of the 
State of Pennsylvania, etc. 

Governor Pattison was born December 8, 1850, at Quantico, 
Somerset county, Md., and removed to Philadelphia when six years old. 
He graduated at the High School in 1870, when he delivered the valedic- 
tory address. He studied law under the late Lewis C. Cassidy, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1872. He continued in the practice of the law 
with that gentleman until his election, in 1877, to the office of Controller 
of Philadelphia removed him to another field, in which he served with 
distinguished honor until promoted. 

In 1882 he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania by more than 
40,000 plurality. In 1887 he was elected president of the Chestnut Street 
National Bank, and was president of the Pacific Railway Commission, 
April, 1887. He also administered the affairs of the Chestnut Street 
Trust Company until he was again called to the gubernatorial chair (1890), 
which he occupies at this writing (1893). 

Governor Pattison has proved an able, honest, indefatigable and 
wise executive. Recent troubles in Western Pennsylvania caused adverse 
partisan criticism of this excellent public officer, but his course has the 
hearty endorsement of the large majority of all parties. The Governor 
moves with deliberation, and in accordance with the Constitution he is 
sworn to uphold, but he has proved to be prompt and energetic when it 
is clear to him that an emergency has arisen that requires action. The 
hasty animadversions of his enemies only serve to increase his well- 
earned popularity, and his own calm and faithful strength is the best 
object lesson with which to silence captious criticism. 

He was a lay delegate to the General Conference of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in 1884 and 1888; in 1890 fraternal delegate to the 
General Conference of the M. E. Church South, and in 1891 a delegate 
to the Methodist Ecumenical Council held in Washington, D. C. 

In 1884 Dickinson College conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. 

Governor Pattison enjoys the reputation, justly won, of being a broad 
statesman and a model executive. N. H, 



Iqtroduetopi] I^orqapl^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Ej-@oVopqop I^obopt E. lPattisor\ 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — I am sure that I express 
your sentiments, as well as my own, when I say to you how 
much I am gratified in being permitted to share in the pleas- 
ures of this occasion. Such a reception as is here extended 
to the graduates of Peirce College of Business would warm 
the heart of a " Plumed Knight," an " Old Roman," a " Dry 
General" or a " Bustling Candidate." It is a deserved com- 
pliment. (Applause.) 

The business college appears at a very opportune moment 
There never has been an hour when it has been more needed 
than at this hour, an hour pronounced by a distinguished 
divine from this very platform, Dr. Talmage, upon a similar 
occasion, to be the supreme hour of the ages. " Of all the 
centuries this is the greatest century, of all decades of this 
century this is the greatest decade, and of all the years of this 
decade this is the greatest year, and of all the months of 
this year this is the greatest month, and of all the nights of 
this month this is the greatest night. It has taken all of the 
six thousand years of the human race, and all of the millions 
of years of the geological period, to make this moment pos- 
sible." At such a time the business college appears. It 
greets the university graduate, the school-boy, the working- 
man, and the apprentice. It fits him for the counting-room, 
the banking-house, the office, and the methodical conduct 
of his own personal affairs. It takes him from a coltish, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 2%J 

theoretical horse, and puts him upon the every-day, safe-going 
roadster, Practice. It teaches him the skill and accuracy that 
are as essential as the enterprise and the capital of the mer- 
chant, or the industry and the courage of the navigator. It 
gives him the power to keep the accounts and strike the mone- 
tary balances of the world. It strikes down the terrors of the 
civil service rules. It makes the well-kept ledger convey the 
pleasure of a picture or a statue. It makes of the book a 
work of art. It clothes him in working garments. It makes 
him presentable in the busy activities of life. Its doors are 
open day and night. It teaches him the power by which he 
simplifies the twenty-seven hundred millions of capital in our 
own land invested in manufacturing enterprises ; it makes 
plain and clear the every-day balances of seven hundred mil- 
lions of banking capital and more than twenty-nine hundred 
millions of deposits. It brings under control and keeps in sub- 
jection the management of more than one hundred and ten 
thousand miles of railroad in operation in our land. It makes 
possible the financiering and the proper conduct and handling 
of a telegraph line that will reach round the earth more than 
six times. {Applause}) 

While these figures are large, it is by a glimpse at them 
that you appreciate the immense importance of the industry of 
our land. While the speaker addresses you they are multi- 
plying, and as they are multiplying so multiply the voices 
calling for assistants to uphold and conduct this great wealth 
and development going on in our land. 

In 1870, by the census report of that year, there were 
twelve millions of people occupied in the United States — an 
enormous population apparently; yet by the census of 1880 
the twelve millions of population occupied had increased to 
the enormous number of seventeen millions. But while these 
figures, in a measure, indicate also the growth of the demand, 
possibly it might be made clearer to you by the increase of 
the number of post-offices. In 1790, there were but seventy- 
five post-offices in the United States, conducting all the mails,. 



288 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

looking after all the communications, sufficient to accommo- 
date and provide for the intercourse of the inhabitants of our 
own land and of others ; yet that number has multiplied to the 
enormous number at the present time of more than fifty thou- 
sand post-offices. I do not mention these offices with the idea 
that there are any vacancies at present I think all of the 
positions are filled. There should not be, however, if there is 
ambition in that line, any delay, for delays are dangerous. 

A gentleman residing in Georgetown, not far from Wash- 
ington, seeking employment in one of the Departments, pre- 
sented his case, and was told that there were no vacancies, 
that he should call again. He retired from the office to his 
home in Georgetown and waited anxiously. One morning, 
crossing over the bridge leading to Washington, he observed 
at the foot of the bridge, on one side of the river, quite a col- 
lection of people, as if an accident had occurred. He hastened 
down to the brink of the river, and observed that they were 
taking out a body, and, glancing through the crowd, he saw 
the face of a messenger employed in the Department. With- 
out stopping, he hastened to the Department and made his 
application. The gentleman in charge said to him, " There 
are no vacancies." " Oh," he said, "you must be mistaken, 
sir." "No, sir; there are no vacancies." "Why, I just left 
the river where they were taking out the body of your mes- 
senger." " Ha ! " said he, " you are too late, we have appointed 
the man who saw him fall in." {Laughter and applause}) 
This should indicate not only the haste and importance of 
always being on time in applications for office, but in the 
business pursuits of life. The figures that I have mentioned 
to you in the brief time that has been allotted to me, and they 
are but references, but feebly indicate the mighty tramp, tramp, 
tramp of the marching forces of growth and development in 
our own land and through the world. 

Influences may come at times like great clouds obscuring 
the progressive movement, but the sunlight of intelligence 
comes in and dispels the shadows and reveals the ever-onward 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 289 

movement of the mighty forces of civilization. He that is to 
have a part and important place in this mighty march must 
make " of perseverance his bosom friend, experience his wise 
counselor, caution his elder brother, and hope his guardian 
genius." (Hearty applause^) 



Ex-GoVopqop l^attisoq, 

INTRODUCING 

I°posidoqt r^ussoll H. (SoqWell, 



A preacher once had occasion to examine a class of young 
ladies and gentlemen in catechism, and the first question that 
occurred, which was propounded to a young lady in the class, 
was, iC What is your greatest consolation in life and death ? " 
She smiled, but declined to answer. The preacher persisted. 
She said, " If I must, then, it is Mr. P., who lives on Spruce 
street." (Laughter?) We have with us to-night two important 
elements in society, Pulpit and Press, two P's, but very unlike 
the vegetable kind in resemblance. Professor Peirce has been 
turning over in his mind, since the making up of this programme, 
how he should satisfy the pulpit and the press, each claiming 
precedence, the one over the other; the press by reason of its 
circulation, and the pulpit on account of its power. Having 
been troubled for some time, he resorted to the old excuse of 
giving each the benefit, and by reason of seniority, has placed 
the pulpit as the first speaker of the evening. {Applause) 

I therefore have great pleasure in presenting to you, as the 
first speaker, the representative of the pulpit, the soldier, lawyer, 
lecturer and preacher, President Russell H. Conwell, of Tem- 
ple College. {Applause.) 



JSiocjpapt}i©a.l Sl^ot©]^ 
F^ussoll H. ©oqWoll. 



Scholar, orator, soldier, lawyer, author, minister of the gospel, 
traveler, lecturer. 

Another illustrious man who has had varied experience in life is 
Colonel Russell H. Con well. His early struggles to obtain an education, 
his life-long devotion to learning under difficulties, his heroism during the 
war, his great power as an orator and a lawyer, his quitting all else for 
the service of Christ, present a picture of true manhood in which the 
romance of life is crowned with devotion, patriotism and the love of man 
fittingly guided by the love of God. Captain at eighteen years of age, 
he was called " The Boy Captain of the Mountain Boys," as Company 
F, Forty-sixth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, was styled. The com- 
pany was composed of men from his native town, Worthington, Hamp- 
shire county, Massachusetts, and surrounding places, of the most rugged 
and mountainous in this part of the State. He was the unanimous choice 
for captain, although it needed a special committee to wait on Governor 
Andrew to persuade him to commission one so young. 

He served in the war until disabled by wounds at the battle of Ken- 
nesaw Mountain, and was promoted, but resigned on account of the 
advice of friends only a few months before the close of the war. 

In 1882, after vicissitudes of various kinds as author, lawyer, 
traveler, lecturer, educator and theological student, he accepted a call to 
the Baptist Temple, Philadelphia, where his ministry has been attended 
with wonderful results. 

Temple College and Samaritan Hospital are other monuments to 
the devotion of their originator. 

Lacking space in which to give any adequate account of the life of 
this noted and beloved servant of the Master, see " Scaling the Eagle's 
Nest," by James D. Gill (Springfield, Massachusetts, 1889). ^ ev - Russell 
' H. Conwell is the author of several works, including "Acres of Diamonds," 
Lives of Bayard Taylor, James G. Blaine, Rutherford B. Hayes, James 
A. Garfield, " Why and How the Chinese Emigrate," " Women and the 
Law," "Life of Charles H. Spurgeon," "Little Bo," "Joshua Giana- 
vello," and other books. N. H. 



ylqqucil /Vddposs 

BY 

Russoll H. ©or^Woll. 

President of Temple College. 



A preacher always puts his watch on the pulpit and never 
looks at it afterwards. (Placing watch on the reading desk.) 
I feel, dear friends, that it is really a great honor to be here 
to-night, and I wish I had the power to answer your kindness 
with an address worthy of the occasion, and which should be 
as powerful as I sincerely desire. It is an occasion in which I 
can sincerely say I have a positive personal interest, and it is 
a matter about which I believe I want to say something that 
shall help you. Not bringing a written address is no disrespect 
to you, because I never wrote one, or a sermon, in my life, but 
I come here to speak as I love to speak of things which I 
feel, and to be as practical as I possibly can. I want to offend 
as few as I can and still represent the pulpit, and if I can as 
successfully steer clear of my difficulties as " the politician " 
here did of his, it will be a complete success. {Laughter^ 

I suppose that the position which I occupy upon this- 
programme is given me to present to you the thought that 
there is a place, and not only a place, but a demand for this 
kind of institution in a land and in a time like ours. Well did 
Mr. Talmage say, and well did the president to-night put it, 
that this night is the grandest night of all the ages, and that very 
fact is one of the most inspiring proofs of the necessity for 
Business Colleges of this class and kind. There never was 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 293 

a time when there was such a need of such institutions as now, 
but that need will greatly increase with passing years. This 
need, to my mind, assumes two phases. In the first place, 
there is great need of business education for every individual. 
There is not a man or woman or child in this house to-night 
who will not need a business education. They will need to 
understand how to conduct both private and public business. 
It is the most necessary education of our times. I believe in 
a college education of a high, classical character. I believe 
that it is very ornamental and that it is very helpful, and 
makes men happier and wiser and better ; but a college educa- 
tion without a business education is as one-sided as the pulling 
of one oar upon a boat. We need them both to reach the 
highest plane. But first we need the business education. A 
mere college-bred man is an educated fool. 

Every one needs this kind of an education, because of the 
vast complications of our advancing civilization. Every lady 
needs to understand business, and the thought brings to my 
mind a little experience I had in this good City of Brotherly 
Love. There was a young lady who captured a dude. I 
helped her spring the trap, and I watched with a great deal 
of interest to see what should be the result in their household 
arrangements — whether she would become a dude or he 
would become a man of common sense. The question was a 
very interesting one in anthropology. An examination of the 
case only three years afterwards developed the fact that she 
very soon took his tall silk hat for her clothes-pin basket and 
his high collar for a pin-cushion, and she compelled him to 
"brincr the coal out of the cellar and sent him into the back 
yard to wash the bricks and out front to wash the steps. She 
made him a man. When I remarked to this lady, " What a 
wonderful change has come over your husband " — I did not 
suggest there could be any improvement — I knew better than 
that : I said, " What a remarkable change has come over your 
husband," she said, " Yes, / understand my business." She 
needed to understand her business. {Laugliter}) 



294 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

The time has come when every woman in this civilized 
land needs to understand the banking business, and needs to 
understand all the different branches of commercial life. Rich 
and poor alike will need it. All the widows within the sound 
of my voice will remember with what dismay they were thrown 
upon the necessity of transacting business, with, perhaps, very 
little understanding of it, and oftentimes losing much which 
their husbands worked hard to gain, and merely because, as 
women, they did not understand their business. It is neces- 
sary that every individual should understand business. There 
is a larger need for it now on the part of every person than 
ever before in the history of man. 

. The thought which is, however, uppermost in my mind is 
that there is a need of such institutions as this for the benefit 
of the public. The public has a positive interest in it. We 
see it here by the presence of this great audience to-night, 
that we have a positive and personal interest in such institu- 
tions, and the time has come when the public must have a 
greater interest in them than it has ever had before. Our insti- 
tutions are becoming so complicated now that a man must apply 
himself to the closest study in order to understand the common 
principles of banking. You go into Governor Pattison's bank 
and endeavor to transact business, and you will find the most 
marvelous complication in all the clearing-house transactions 
that you need to understand before you could be of any service 
there ; and if you were to go into the railroad offices, if you 
were to go into the large dry-goods stores, or were to go into 
any of the manufactories, and endeavor to transact business 
without careful previous study of long duration, you would 
find yourselves handicapped on either hand by intricate rules 
having a certain purpose in view, of which you knew 
nothing. 

You and I need to understand these details in order that 
we may be a benefit to the public ; and I say the time has 
come when every man and woman that enters into business 
should have a diploma as much as the person who graduates 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 295 

over yonder at the medical college or graduates into pharmacy. 
It is just as unsafe for the community to send a man into 
business in this city without his being educated in the business 
line as it i^ to send a man into the drug store that knows 
nothing about that. 

Did you ever think that there should be a system of 
examination by law before a man should enter into business ? 
Oh, you may say, that would be absurd. Wait a minute. A 
quack in business is as bad as a quack in medicine. I heard 
of a physician who said to his messenger, " Did you take that 
medicine over to Mrs. A. last night?" The man said, " Yes." 
The physician said, "Did she take it?" " Well," he said, " I 
do not know, but I think so ; there is crape on the door this 
morning." (Laughter?) Such illustrations show us the danger 
there is in having a quack doctor, and we have awakened to 
the legal necessity of requiring diplomas before they shall 
practice. Yet there is the same difficulty in business, and 
oftentimes it is far more dangerous. Send a young man into 
the dry-goods business with no qualification in the business 
line, and what will be the effect ? Any old business man here 
will tell you it will be a failure in a very few months. But do 
you think that failure affects him only? Ah! our society is 
so interwoven, and we are all so dependent upon the honesty 
and ability of each other, that no man lives alone and no man 
falls alone, and one single failure, though the store do not do 
over ten thousand dollars worth of business a year, affects a 
thousand individuals of whom you and I dream not. 

No man has a right to go into business unless he under- 
stands the business. It is a damage to the community. It is 
a crime in many cases for him to do it. 

Let a person go into the clothing business and endeavor 
to clothe the public, not understanding the purchase of goods, 
or where to purchase, or how to purchase, or what kind of 
material he needs, or how to make it up savingly, or how to 
sell wisely, and he is a dangerous man in the community, and 
the more honest he may be, in the sense of being " real good," 



296 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the more dangerous he will be in society. It needs that men 
should understand it. 

Suppose that in the banking-house there should be put a 
young man who knew nothing of banking ; had no college 
education. Suppose his father was rich. It has been done 
many times. A man having a son, and he, being rich, puts 
that son into the bank because he is his son, and not because 
he is a dude or a simpleton, and not because he is an " educated 
fool." But he puts him in because he is a rich man's son. 
What is the history? You and I know. Within the last few 
years some of you have felt bitterly that such a deed was a 
crime. 

Go ask the penniless orphan who raps at the gate of 
yonder Girard Institution, of which President Fetterolf is the 
representative here, why he seeks a place to rest his weary 
little head ? Go ask the widow who lost by the bank, and, 
left in poverty, now begs her daily bread. Go and ask the poor 
workingman who had to sell his furniture to pay his rent, 
because he could not get his money from a bank. Ask them 
if it was not a crime to put in a bank a man who does not 
understand the business. They have no right to handle the 
money and the property of widows and orphans or of poor 
men, or rich men either, if they do not understand the proper 
methods. It is wrong in principle, and the pulpit utters its 
anathema against the entrance into business of men who do 
not understand business. (Applause.) 

The time has come when these things should be said, 
because there are so many quacks entering into business. I 
remember one or two years ago being called to counsel with 
a family and comfort them, if I could. The experience, stated 
briefly, was like this : In yonder great river, as it rolled so 
quietly to the sea, one moonlight night, three years ago was 
found the floating body of a poor and beautiful young woman ; 
the face looked up to the sky, and the rich hair rose and fell 
upon the wave that caught it as a mother would a child upon 
her bosom. They took the pure face from the water and 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 297 

brought it to the shore. The excited crowd asked, " What is 
this? Oh, why is this?" The answer was, " She* would 
rather drown than starve." They told me that she had said that 
before she would beg she would starve, and before she would 
starve she would drown herself. Why did she die ? Because 
one month's wages had been refused her which was her 
honest due ; and maintaining her character, maintaining her 
Christian integrity up to the point where despair sent insanity 
into her brain, she at last sank beneath the water. Why was 
it ? Her employer did not pay her. Why ? Because the 
person to whom he sold his goods in the city of Trenton did 
not pay him. Why did not the person in the city of Trenton 
pay the manufacturer here ? Because one of his smaller 
customers in a little town in New Jersey, not having enough 
by $3, concluded to wait before he paid his bill. His bank 
account lacked $3 of paying the bill. How did he lack $3 ? 
Because a man to whom he had sold a little bill of only $4 
carelessly failed to pay his bill. So, running along the track 
of consequential circumstances, we looked upon the face of 
the drowned and innocent one, because this man in New Jersey 
failed to pay his bill of $4. He is not the only man in New 
Jersey, and in a thousand other places, who has failed to pay 
his bill. {Sensation}) 

When one man pays an honest debt it pays many hundreds 
of others, and thus it goes from one to the other. If you pay 
me, I pay A, A pays B, B pays C, C pays D, and so on with 
the same money. The same money keeps going. And so 
when one man fails, the natural cry goes up that he is dread- 
fully dishonest. Do you say it is not a dishonesty for a man 
to fail to pay his debts ? It is dishonest. And when a man 
can comprehend for one moment the consequences of con- 
tracting debts which he cannot pay, and the misery caused to 
others multiplying before his vision, he will see how terribly 
dishonest it is to refuse to pay his debts, or enter uneducated 
into a business with such a probable result. The man who 
enters into business without a business education is almost 



290 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

sure to fail. One of the greatest crimes and sins of the world 
and of our country to-day is the fact that in this country 
eighty-six out of every one hundred merchants fail once. By 
the statistics prepared by Gen. Wright, eighty-six of the mer- 
chants of this country out of every one hundred fail once. 
What an awful crime ! The time has come when the compli- 
cations of business are so great that the failure of the smallest 
may affect the largest. 

In 1837, way back in that time when we had nothing like 
the complications of to-day, it was the failure of one firm that 
precipitated all that disaster and left such ruin through our 
land. The failure of only one. So I say to-day that men in 
entering into the affairs of business should have a diploma, in 
order that people may know that they are worthy of being 
trusted. Not because they have money, for that is no sign ; 
they may not have it to-morrow night. Not. only because 
they intend to do right ; but because they do understand how 
to transact business. (Applause)) 

Secondly, it is for the advantage of the public that we 
should have these institutions of learning, because it makes 
the individuals themselves more honest. 

I want to ask you if you ever knew a man that kept a 
diary, and set down every day every single cent of expendi- 
ture, who was ever convicted of forgery or defrauding the 
public or defrauding his friends. I never heard of one. 
Nearly every man or woman that keeps an accurate account 
of all his or her expenditures will be honest. It is one of the 
necessities of the very act ; and to train people to keep an 
accurate account of their affairs is to train them to take good 
care of their affairs. If you want a man to act in charge of 
your business, you select a man who can take care of his own 
business ; and the man who cannot mind his own business 
is npt fit to mind other people's business. 

I advance to this, that if it is so necessary, and it cer- 
tainly is, that we should have such institutions as this to train 
people in the practical business of life, what should this 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 29,9 

education be ? What is it ? Education of any kind, and 
especially of a business kind, is but a condensation of all the 
experiences of the past. A little incident related by one of 
the friends here upon the stand has reminded me of that old 
story which illustrates this, in which it is said the city girl 
wanted to see the cow that gave the " condensed milk." 
(Laughter^) We need and must have condensed business. 
No man can begin at the foot of the ladder and expect to 
achieve greatness or success in business, if he is obliged per- 
sonally to go through all the details of the experiences of the 
past. 

The great philosopher Emerson tells us that every man 
is but a quotation from his ancestors. I want to say education 
is but the experience of the past put into convenient form for our 
use, condensed form, so that we may enter upon our business 
career where our fathers left off. That young man who thinks 
he is going into a successful business career on his father's 
money will fail, but the young man who is wise enough to 
take his father's advice, and study his father's success and his 
father's rules which led to success, and then begin where his 
father left off, with that experience — safely planted upon that 
he may go on to complete and grand success. The more we 
build upon the past, the higher we plant our standard to begin 
with, and if safely planted on past experience, the greater will 
be our success. (Applause^) 

This business training is intended to give these young men 
and these young women such an acquaintance with the prac- 
tical experience of the business of the past that they may 
begin farther along than their fathers or mothers began in life ; 
that they may build to higher excellence. A boy said to the 
minister, " God cannot do everything." The minister said He 
could. The boy said, " He cannot make a calf three years old 
in a minute." Yet, in one sense, a youth may in a very short 
time of practical instruction become an experienced man. 
You can learn more in a month than it took men generations 
to learn by experience. You can go into a bank and learn 



30O ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

more in an hour than it has taken generations of men to prac- 
tically work out. You can go into a dry-goods store and 
learn more in a day than it took your great-grandfather a life- 
time to acquire. You can go into a telegraph office and learn 
more in twenty-four hours concerning the principles of inter- 
change of messages and electric currents than your fathers 
learned in twelve hundred years. Just think, more in a day ! 
You have all their experience* to begin upon. You cannot 
learn all of the past by the experience of your fathers, but on 
that can be built so much that it is safe for the community 
that you should thus begin. It is not like the Irishman who 
went along with a friend and fell into a hole. The friend said 
to the Irishman, " Why, I am sorry I did not tell you that 
hole was there," and the Irishman says, " No matter, I found 
it out now." (Laughter.) Many a man avoids the pitfalls and 
holes of life and business who has been told where they are 
beforehand. It is the purpose of a business college to tell 
young men and young women where these difficulties are, and 
where achievements may be made, and why other people have 
failed to succeed. You should build on the experience of the 
past. 

How did they keep books one hundred years ago ? I 
remember, up in the country, in Western Massachusetts, see- 
ing an old cellar door on which a man kept his accounts with 
a piece of chalk, and when the account was paid he did not 
give a receipt, but simply rubbed it out. But men have gone 
on. Men found it necessary at times to ask for receipts, and 
men also found it necessary at times to give receipts. They 
found that the way they kept their books was too uncertain. 
They soon found that kind of ledger did not answer the pur- 
pose, and so went on from one improvement to another, until 
experience has brought about the double-entry system with 
which you are all familiar, and by which a man may know 
whether he is one cent richer or poorer, by the interchange of 
figures in such a way as to prove each other. Now we prac- 
tice the old system no more. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 3OI 

Do you know how they used to do banking ? You do 
not remember what kind of coin they used to have ? Do you 
suppose the coin they used to have was such as we now take 
out of the bank, or that the currency was like the greenback 
or the government money or the national bank money that 
we now receive ? No. The bank of years ago was a barn- 
yard, and the legal currency consisted of cattle and sheep, and 
when a man wanted to pay a bill he " drove out " the legal 
currency for the man who was entitled to the pay. Among 
the Zulus now, in Africa, they have the same system. Their 
only currency consists of herds and flocks, and they use them 
as their currency. In the interior of Africa, less civilized, 
they use great bars of iron. It takes a cart load to pay a little 
bill. It would take a cart load as big as the Academy of 
Music to pay an ordinary plumber's bill here. (Laughter and 
applause \) 

You know in the Fiji Islands they had currency still more 
strange. The larger denominations are cows and buffaloes and 
horses, and when they want to make small change they deal 
out mud-turtles and frogs and snakes, and sometimes crickets.. 
The time was when even our own forefathers had no such 
complication of affairs as we find in our own history, and yet. 
at the beginning of this century how simple these things 
appeared when compared with what they are to-day. We 
must build on the experience of the past and begin where 
they left off. 

It is necessary for a man going into business now to 
understand commercial law. I can remember reading of the 
time when men learned it by the constable and sheriff. That 
is something safe for us to avoid. We begin where they left 
off. Commercial law to-day is a practical thing, and applied 
to practical affairs of life keeps men honest and successful. 
We begin where our fathers stopped. Their experience has 
formulated the law, and now adjusts itself to the various ex- 
periences of humankind because it springs out of all experi- 
ence of the past ; and so we easily apply it. 



302 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

I suppose they study Political Economy here. I am 
very certain they do, and study it perhaps carefully, for it is 
one of the most important subjects for man and woman to 
understand in order to understand the relations of business; 
in order to understand the law between demand and supply, 
to see how it is that these interchangeable markets and goods 
and demands adjust themselves to each other. The business 
man who does not understand it will be lost. Political economy 
requires that a man shall be honest first, and hence the pulpit 
approves of it. The public good requires that a man shall 
understand before he undertakes to do business, and hence 
the importance of the study of political economy to the public, 
and to every young man and woman who enters into business. 
Every one ought to understand it. Political economy teaches 
us that we need educated business men in all the walks of life, 
and we need them so much. We need business men, not only 
in the stores, not only in the small places, but as a commu- 
nity. You and I to-day, standing in this presence and in this 
magnificent city, and a city of most noble character, a city 
standing far above many other cities, as can be safely said, in 
its morals and in its homes, and standing in this presence, in 
such a city and with such a people, I say there is a great 
necessity here for business men to conduct our public affairs. 
{Applause?) 

It is not so much a question as to whether a man votes 
the Democratic ticket or the Republican ticket. As a minister 
I do not have any politics, but as an individual I do. I say 
that business men should be in our public offices, and unless 
we get them there soon we will have no longer the proud 
boast that the City of Brotherly Love is " the finest place to 
live in on the face of the earth." Who of you is going to 
drink Schuylkill water for the next five years ? Why did you 
not get it from the pure springs and fountains of the upper 
Delaware twenty-five years ago ? It would not have cost 
you one cent more in the long run, as these students can 
quickly figure out. Why did you not get it? For shame, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 3O3 

Philadelphia ! For shame, fair city ! For shame, impure water ! 
What are you giving to the poor who cannot buy clean ice 
from Maine ? What are you giving to the poor in their attics 
that cannot get a filter and pay from $12 to $30 for it? You 
are giving them this slimy black mud which comes floating 
down the lower Schuylkill, and it is a crime, and the crime con- 
sists in not electing business men to your City Councils. 
{Applause) 

W T e need business men in all branches of the govern- 
ment. We do not want men in office who hold it simply 
because their party is in power and the other party is not. 
We do not want men in power who regard civil service as a 
service to their party. Both now do the same thing. We 
want business men who will look at the country as a great busi- 
ness establishment, having in view the greatest good of the 
greatest number, and who understand all about political 
economy, and understand the best arrangements to produce 
the best results and without reference to any parties in power. 
Such men ought always to hold the offices of the govern- 
ment. The time will come when we will have it, and hence 
the necessity of such institutions like these to fill that coming 
need. When I think of the charlatans who go into the offices 
of the country, when I think of how it is we grovel and bow 
down to a person holding a political office who has not busi- 
ness intelligence enough about him to earn or pay his own 
board, I am thunderstruck at the city of Philadelphia. We 
need men in office that understand their and our business. 

The greatest quacks in this country and the greatest 
quacks in this city (and I speak respectfully) are the people 
that sell liquor. I know men, good men, who sell rum. I 
am not an extreme fanatic about it, but I tell you the greatest 
wrong in that business is in putting men in charge of those 
institutions that do not understand their business. Put me in 
charge of a saloon to sell this liquid that will fill your prisons 
and your insane asylums — put me in charge of it, and I do not 
know that it is a poison ! Put a man in charge of that awful 



3O4 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

poison who does not understand its relations to health, sanity, 
morals and religion ! I say that it is wrong. Though other 
people have their opinions and are entitled to them, I believe 
it is wrong to entrust such dangerous business in the hands of 
uneducated or immoral men. 

If you apply such a rule to license, you would see what 
the result would be. I need make no fanatical temperance 
speech. If you apply it to the business of selling liquor, or 
if you apply it to the sale of drugs, it is the same. You 
know it is wrong to put any man in charge of a drug store 
who does not understand and fear the effects of poisons. {Ap- 
plause) 

Only one other thought, and then I want you to listen to 
Brother Burdette. Business is not only a need, but it is the 
worthiest ambition a man can follow. In the United States 
Senate at the last term there were twelve graduates of college, 
and the larger number trained business men. If you look at 
the very influential men of our country to-day, you will see they 
are business men. A college education is a good thing, but a 
business education is better. The nation needs these business 
men in all its councils of state. There is no higher or greater 
ambition in life than to be a successful business man. Put 
your ambition high, and determine that you will have money 
enough and business enough to help poor men to weeks and 
months of wages, and supply many a poor family that which 
will keep them from want. As business men, put your am- 
bition high and resolve that you will succeed. There is no 
greater success than to be a triumphant business man — I mean 
achievement in an honest business. There is no other success 
worth having. Dishonesty will only bring misery and trouble, 
but you may be rich men and women if you but adhere to the 
laws of business. The common laws of the land, and all the 
rules of commercial law, teach us that honesty is not only the 
best policy, but the best principle, and honest men do make 
money and do get rich. When but a few weeks ago there 
was a combination of some of the most honorable men in 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 305 

this city (notwithstanding competitors may say this or that or 
the other) to give to us an elevated railroad that should make 
the homes of the poor accessible to business, and should not 
take one cent of property from a man without pay, or rob a 
man of a single dollar, and it would have enriched us millions 
of dollars, where were the business men of the city govern- 
ment? I say that combination of business men, and lean 
speak, because I am not closely acquainted with one of them, 
was one of the greatest and most honorable events in the his- 
tory of the city. The time also came, within a few weeks, 
when a great railroad desired to enter into healthful competi- 
tion in this city with other railroads. If we had had business 
men in charge of this city, they would have so arranged mat- 
ters that we would now have the benefits of both stations and 
no man be unjustly the loser. We need business men, so that 
every citizen can be dealt with justly, and that we may awaken 
fair competition between these mighty corporations which 
desire so much to become monopolies. {Applause}) 

Where are the business men of this city, that we have not 
elevated railroads to compete with New York ? Why do we 
go along under the elevated railroads of New York and keep 
our eyes down all the way ? Philadelphians, keep your heads 
down. Do not look up at that wonderful machinery. You 
cannot have it. Why? Because you have not business men 
in your Councils. Why is it Philadelphia cannot have all the 
conveniences that are coming to other cities ? Because you 
have not practical, patriotic business men to manage your 
affairs. 

It is the highest ambition of life to be a successful business 
man. When a dozen business men or fifty business men com- 
bine, as they can, to give to this city such great conveniences 
and blessings, it is a great honor ; and may the time come when 
these mighty business men, whose minds are capable of grasp- 
ing and dealing with the great problems, shall combine to give 
us pure, clean water, give us communication with the country, 
either underground or overground. Not only that, but who 



306 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

shall build and endow such business institutions as these, that 
we may hopefully look forward to that magnificent future when 
business men will cover the sea with their ships, and individual 
corporations own their channels over the sea, and when tunnels 
will intersect under the oceans, and when we shall travel in the 
air in ships of wondrous construction, and when we shall be 
able to communicate directly through the earth without the 
intervention of the wire, and when we shall communicate with 
the stars and read their story and history, and when we can 
tell them what we are thinking of, and they can tell us what 
they are thinking of, and when, in that mighty progress of the 
future, when all this world shall be fully and peacefully peopled, 
and when every home shall be, in its relations to every other 
home, a Christian home. If done at all, it will be done by 
business men ; and as we look forward to the mighty develop- 
ment of the centuries, prophesying a future by the magnificent 
advances of the past, we see what awful responsibilities and 
what mighty honors rest upon these on-coming business men 
and women. {Long-continued applause) 



/iddrQSS of IPpiqeipal F^oiroo 



(^paduatiqg ©lass, 



This diploma certifies that you have successfully pursued 
the course of business training- as prescribed at Peirce College 
of Business, and that you have been found proficient in the 
several branches of the curriculum, and you are hereby recom- 
mended to the favor of those engaged in commercial and gen- 
eral business vocations. In bidding you good-by on behalf 
of myself and Faculty, I plead with you to " do justly and to 
love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." 



Ej-@oVopqop F^attisoq, 

INTRODUCING 

F^obort <J. ISuipdotto. 



Pennsylvania has sent many men from her borders into 
other territories who have distinguished themselves in the pro- 
fessions, in the mercantile world, in trade, in invention, and in 
all branches and lines of discovery. They have, from time to 
time, returned to Pennsylvania, and by their presence gratified 
and pleased their friends. We have with us to-night a Penn- 
sylvanian. He left the State, it is true, very early, and entered 
the army from another State, making an honorable record, dis- 
tinguished himself by association with the newspaper press of 
the West, and is now distinguished upon the lecture platform 
and has returned to Pennsylvania, and I am sure we are 
gratified in having him with us. I take great pleasure in pre- 
senting to you Mr. Burdette, who will address you. 



©iogpapliioal Sl^otolq 
T^obopt Joqos IBupdottQ. 



Humorist, editor, author, lecturer, licensed preacher, soldier. 

This popular lecturer and essayist was born in Greensborough, Pa., 
July 30, 1844. In early life he removed to Peoria, Illinois, where he was 
•educated in the public schools. He enlisted in 1862, and served in the 
47th Illinois Volunteers during the war. 

In 1869 he became one of the editors of the Peoria Transcript, and 
afterwards was connected with the Review. After an unsuccessful effort 
to establish a new paper, he became associate editor of the Burlington 
(Iowa) Hawkey e, and his humorous contributions to this journal, being 
widely copied, made his reputation. In 1877 he began to deliver public 
lectures, in which he has been very successful, his subjects being such as 
"The Rise and Fall of the Mustache," " Home," and "The Pilgrimage 
of the Funny Man." He has publiched in book form, "The Rise and 
Fall of the Mustache and other Hawkeyetems " (Burlington, 1877); 
■" Hawkeyes " (1880) ; " Life of William Penn " (New York, 1882) ; and 
" Innach Garden and other Comic Sketches" (1886). His humorous 
letters to various journals of the time never failed to afford the amuse- 
ment that is so highly esteemed and so eagerly sought for by the average 
reader. Like Artemas Ward and Mark Twain, he seems to have an 
inexhaustible store of wit, and his pen is as much in demand as are his 
-characteristic utterances on the platform. N. H. 



/\ddrQSS to Gpaduatos 
F^obopt <J. ISuipdotto, 



Most Potent, Grave and Reverend Seigniors, Young 
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Graduating Class : — My 
text to-night is a great deal older than myself, and was written 
by a man much wiser than I ever expect to be in this world. 
" Seest thou a man diligent in his business ? he shall stand 
before kings ; he shall not stand before mean men." 

I presume I have been selected to deliver this sermon to 
the graduating class on the ground that a horrible example is 
a good thing for the young men and women to contemplate, 
and I know of no man in all this vast assemblage who stands 
in a more favorable and better position as the horrible example, 
so vividly portrayed by Brother Conwell, than myself. I have 
fallen into all the holes along the pathway of life in this busi- 
ness world. It is true, I have not been one of the eighty-six 
men who have failed once. I have never failed at all. I have 
paid one hundred cents on the dollar right along. More than 
that ; on account of my lack of business knowledge and busi- 
ness ways, I have paid about one hundred and seventy-five cents 
on the dollar. {Laughter}) I felt convinced all the time Brother 
Conwell was speaking that he got his text from me. I do not 
know where he heard or learned so much about me, but I 
knew he knew something about me. 

I will never forget the first time I ever went in the bank 
to do business — not the first time, but the first time I ever 
went in to do business for my own profit. I had gone to the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 3II 

bank, as editors do once in awhile, to ask them if they could 
not extend that note thirty or sixty days longer, or some other 
foolish or irrelevant question like that, which nobody paid 
much attention to, though I didn't care whether it was 
extended or contracted. {Laughter.) I had just as lief it be 
contracted sixty days. One day I got away from home and 
got into a bank at Peoria and wanted to draw some money. 
I had heard you could draw on the house when you were 
away. I had never drawn anything from it while I was with 
it, but I thought I would try it when I was a long way off. I 
asked for a blank draft. The president, good old Mr. Howell, 
laid it on the table before me. He knew me very well, and 
said, " How do you want it filled out, Robert ? " That made 
me mad, just as though I was a school-boy coming in there, 
and had to have the president of the bank fill out my draft. 
I told him I would attend to that myself. I went with the 
draft over to the corner where the little desk was, and the 
more I looked at it the worse it looked; I perspired; I think I 
prayed over it ; I know I groaned over it, and I struggled and 
wrestled with it, and when I was done, I handed it up to the 
president with the air of a man who did that every ten or 
fifteen minutes when he was at home, and, with a fatherly 
smile, he said, " That is all right, Robert, that is all right ; 
give us the money and we will send it over to them." I 
offered him all it was worth if he would hand it back to me. 
He said, " No, I am going to paste that up on the wall for the 
young men to study." I had drawn an order on myself in 
favor of the house. (Loud laughter)) 

You are going out into the world forehanded and fore- 
armed. You know what you expect to meet and what you 
are going to do. You are going to make a record for your- 
selves. You have all the knowledge, and you simply want to 
apply it in a diligent way. You notice the wise man said, 
" Seest thou a man diligent in his business." He did not say, 
" Seest thou a woman diligent in her business." That was no 
oddity. Everybody has seen diligent women. The woman 



312 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

was apt to be too diligent in her own business, and possibly in 
that time too diligent in the business of half the other people 
in the block. (Laughter}} However, whether the wise man 
spoke of the woman as diligent or not, I am content to have a 
business woman take charge of the affairs of this city. I do 
not live inside of the corporation limits. I will go farther than 
Brother Conwell. I am in favor of letting the women run the 
city for awhile. When I look at her and see what she can do, 
when I see what a woman is capable of, when I see a woman 
who has the courage to travel alone and go to a first-class 
hotel and sit down, absolutely without blanching, wavering or 
trembling, refuse to pay the head waiter two dollars to give 
her a seat, which he will change every other meal, and then 
give a waiter a dollar for bringing her something she never 
ordered, and then pay the clerk five dollars a day, I admire 
her. I cannot do that. One time I remarked to the porter 
of a sleeping-car that he. had a good many people on board. 
"Yes," he said, "but there is no money in it; too many women 
on board, boss." I said, " What difference does that make ? " 
" Well," he said, " a woman buys her car ticket, and that is all 
she pays for." I had just given him fifty cents for blacking 
one shoe and losing the other. (Laughter?) She knows how 
to run the government economically. When I see her in a 
store waiting for her change, after purchasing some little 
article, rather than walk off immediately as though it were 
something too small for her to contemplate, I admire her 
courage. I admire a person who can do that. I am afraid to 
do it. I am afraid of everybody with whom I transact busi- 
ness, because, I suppose, I know so little about it. I admire 
her courage. 

" Seest thou a man diligent in his business," my son. 
You perceive, not a man who was diligent last week or the 
week before that or five or six years ago ; he has to be dili- 
gent all the time. There is no time when a man can let up ; 
there is no time when a man can stop. You are going to 
have no resting spell now. If you are to accomplish anything 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 313 

and are going to get along, you cannot rest. An old man 
does not need a rest. It is. the young man who stands a great 
deal of rest, who endures a great deal of vacation. You 
notice your father, who has been trained to business habits all 
his life long, has one hard time he dreads all the year round. 
There comes a time when the weather is warm, when your 
mother will drag him off to some uncomfortable hole in the 
mountains, or some den on the seashore for a vacation, and 
just before the old man dies he gets back home and brisks up 
again as soon as he gets back to his desk. The rest was 
hurtful, injurious and painful to him. (Applause)) 

You have to be diligent all the time, skilful, work inces- 
santly and continually. You have to be diligent in your 
business. A man may be diligent in a thousand ways, but if he 
is not diligent in his business the promise is not to him; he will 
not stand before kings. 

A man may be working hard all his life. A man may be 
able to engrave the 119th Psalm on the side of a ten-cent 
piece, but that is not " business ;" there is no reward for a man 
who can do that. A man may work all his life at something 
which requires diligence and patience, and still have no reward 
for it, simply because it is not practicable ; a man may work 
all his life long perhaps in bringing to perfection, as he thinks 
he will, some terrible secret motor which will send a train of 
railway cars around the world in forty seconds with five or ten 
minims of water. He does not stand before kings ; he does 
not even stand before his own stockholders. (Laughter and 
applause) 

You have to have a business to be diligent in, and be 
diligent in it. One of the busiest men I ever knew was a man 
who accomplished the least. Industry is not enough. Indus- 
try does not accomplish a great deal by itself. I knew an 
attorney one time out West who was the busiest man I ever 
saw in my life, a man who never had time. He was on the 
street all the time ; he spent his life out of doors ; he collared 
you and said, " I only want you three minutes." You would 



3 H ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

know he only did want you for three minutes, because he could 
talk faster than I can for those three minutes. Then click 
would go his watch, and he would rush off to another man 
and talk to him for three minutes. He was always doing 
something. He never accomplished anything. He was always 
going to Congress, but he never got there, because he never 
had time to be nominated. Now, if there was one place in the 
wide world where you never found this busy individual, it was 
in his office. Whenever you went to his office, whether at 
midnight or high-noon, you invariably found a card on the 
door, " Back in fifteen minutes." I went to the office one time 
of this busy, energetic, rushing, pushing man in response to 
a letter which he wrote me — he could write a letter — most 
lawyers can — requesting me to come and see him and — I for- 
get what it was — in order to avoid further trouble. {Laughter?) 
I went to see what further trouble I could possibly avoid get- 
ting into. I crept up the stairs that hot summer afternoon, 
they creaking under my feet; I knocked at the door, and 
there being no response I knocked harder and harder, and still 
nobody said anything, and so I said, " Come in," to myself, 
and followed myself in. I went inside, and the lawyer was 
there. It was the first time anybody ever caught him during 
his business hours in his place of business. He was sitting 
in a chair ; his feet were piled up on the table ; his head was 
resting back over the back of the chair; his eyes were tightly 
shut and his mouth wide open ; he was asleep. The book had 
fallen from his hand ; all the quill pens had split up their backs 
and committed suicide from sheer inactivity ; the keys in the 
little bookcase door would not turn ; the flies were buzzing 
about in a lazy way, looking as though they were going to 
make one more effort to get to the ceiling, and if they missed 
it that time to drop on the floor and make an end of them- 
selves. Everything was quiet and somnolent. Then I looked 
around and saw two signs in the room. One over the little 
rusty safe bore the motto " Time is money," and over his head 
the other sign said, " This is my busy day." I spoke to the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 3 I 5 

man ; I spoke to him softly and sweetly — you hate to rouse a 
man harshly, it might bring on heart disease. He did not say 
anything. When I saw that " Time was money " and that 
this was his " busy day " I hated to disturb him. I took about 
an hour and a half for a loaf, and after reflection concluded he 
owed me about $7.50 when I got through, and thinking of 
that I left him undisturbed. He was the busiest man I ever 
knew in my life, and yet a man who actually accomplished 
nothing. (Loud laughter.) 

You have to have a business to be diligent in. It is not 
enough to work hard, although that is a good thing ; you 
have to have something to work at, and something that 
requires some sense in working. 

Now, this simple business of amusing people is a profes- 
sion, not a business. There is no money in that, as you will 
see by and by. Your work is cut out for you, something 
grander, better, nobler, more lasting than simply amusing 
people. You have to look after those who do not know any- 
thing about business, and take care of them. You will find 
in business that it is a hard world to take care of, that men 
are obstinate and perverse. I wonder every day of my life 
that other men are so perverse as they are — why men cannot 
do as I want them, and why they cannot see things as clearly 
and plainly as I see them myself. I wonder that men should 
be so contrary and perverse, and set against all common-sense ; 
but it is so in this world. You are not going to have an easy 
time. Things seem to be built upon contradictions. An 
elephant which weighs ninety-five thousand pounds, and is as 
big as a load of hay, can make a trumpeting sort of a noise 
which you can hear half way down the block, with wind in 
the right direction. A canary bird only as big as a potato can 
make a noise like a fife, and, though it cannot sing bass, when 
it lifts up its voice it drowns all the conversation in the house. 
The wrong things seem to have the greatest sway and make 
the most noise. Man is built in this contradictory way. 
You have hard work in making him do what you want him 



3 l6 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

to do, even though you are business men. He is contrary. 
When he is a baby he cries because he can't walk, and when 
he can walk he cries to be carried. When he is a boy and 
can ride he wants to walk, and when he gets to be a man he 
will wait an hour on a street corner for a car and will wait 
twenty-five minutes on the second floor for an elevator to take 
him to the first floor. We have to hold him, collar him and 
hedge him in every way to keep him straight and make him 
do what he should do. We build almshouses to take care of 
his wife and children, whom he neglects. We erect whipping- 
posts in some parts of the country to keep him from beating 
his wife; we build penitentiaries to keep him honest and 
jails to keep him from stealing and fighting, and we build 
gallows to keep him from murdering ; and if it were not 
for the terror of perdition he would not try to go to heaven. 
{Applause}) 

You see what kind of a world you are going out into, 
and how much reform you have to work yourselves. You see 
what kind of people you have to take care of and you see 
how you have to work yourselves in this world, because you 
are going to do a great deal with it. We are going to com- 
mit the world to your hands. We believe you will diligently 
try to make a better world of it than your father did ; you 
could not make it a worse one, if you tried. You know more 
about it. You know more to begin with than your father 
does. All young men do that. A young man at eighteen 
years of age always knows more than his father. He does 
not begin to understand that his father knows anything. He 
does not think he knows anything until he gets him to go on 
the back of his paper for sixty or ninety days, and then he 
admits if the old man had had some opportunities and advan- 
tages he might have accomplished something. I want you to 
feel when you do start out that you have confidence in your- 
selves, to believe that you have a business to follow, that you 
are going to be diligent in it until you not only receive a 
salary, but own the business. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 31/ 

I remember, long before I went into the newspaper work 
myself, out in a Western town, seeing a man come into the 
office one day. There was a chair which the editor-in-chief 
sat in. There were two editors on the paper. There was a 
backless, miserable stool which the other fellow sat in, and 
there was no place for the third, who was a reporter. I 
remember his coming in and sitting down in the editor's chair 
and beginning to write. The editor came in, and he said, 
" Get out of that, I want that." He sat down in the other 
chair, and the foreman came in and said, " Get off, I want to 
sit down myself." After that the reporter leaned up against 
the wall, and wrote on a table for a while, hurled it from him,, 
shook his fist, and, as he was leaving, somebody heard him 
say, " I will wait out here until you are all gone," and by and 
by he owned the paper and the whole concern ; they were all 
gone. He had the patience to wait, and was diligent while he 
did wait. (Applatcse) 

Now, this promise is coming to you by and by, as you get 
higher in your own business, whatever business you select, and. 
you will find that the work grows lighter by and by. You 
become adjusted to the harness, then the rewards are greater 
and the work is easier as you climb. 

In my own profession, in this beautiful and grand news- 
paper world, this world of honest politics and fair discussion, 
you know there is a man on the paper who does all the work. 
Take it outside of the big cities — I mean a provincial paper: 
a fellow gets out early in the morning, labors all day and sits 
up until three o'clock in the morning, knows everything that 
goes on, every fire and dog fight, all the tittle-tattle and gossip 
about the neighborhood, a few things about our neighbors 
that we want to know and two or three things about ourselves 
that we do not want the neighbors to know. All these things 
he finds out. He makes the paper lively, bright and attractive 
from the first page to the last. And all over America he gets 
about fifteen or eighteen dollars a week ; the city man, the 
local reporter, the man who makes the paper, works eighteen 



3 l8 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

hours a day, and receives the munificent sum of eighteen 
dollars a week. 

There is another man on the paper, — the managing editor, 
I used to be one myself. I never found out just what his 
duties were, but I was one. I kind of waited. until there was 
a vacancy, and when I got to be a managing editor I did as I 
saw the old manager do and other managers did. He comes 
down about eleven o'clock in the morning, takes the best chair, 
sits down and puts his feet on <the desk, growls at everybody 
else because the paper is not better, and goes out for fifteen 
minutes on business and never comes back that day. He gets 
one hundred dollars a week. It does not look fair, does it ? 
It does not look just or right or honest that the man who does 
all the work should get all the blame, and the fellow who does 
nothing at all get all the salary. My boy, it is fair and right 
and honest, and you will understand it better when you are a 
managing editor yourself. I did. I could not explain it to 
you now. If you do not like the reporter's place, climb up. 
Be diligent and you will get the higher places. Your dili- 
gence is to be greater now than at any other time of your life. 
Going out into the world, be diligent and honest, and while 
you have to work hard now, and be careful, and watch the 
corners, and do this work, by and by you can rest, but you 
cannot now. By and by you will establish yourselves and you 
can take leisure, but not now. You cannot do what successful 
men do. You cannot really begin where your father left off. 
You cannot take hold of his experience and carry the world 
on. You cannot jump into the practice which your father, the 
physician, was fifty years building up. The experience of a 
man who has been in business a lifetime is at your disposal, 
but you cannot do as he does. He can sit down, if he is worth 
$75,000, and drink soup at a hotel table out of the side of his 
plate with a noise like the suction of a pipe from a bath-tub. 
But you cannot do that on forty dollars a month. You have 
to be on dress parade all the time. You have to be on your 
best behavior. (Laugliter and applause 1) 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 319 

They tell me that Mr. Tennyson gets fifty dollars a line 
for his poetry. When you have written as much poetry as 
Tennyson has, you can get fifty dollars a line, and you can 
afford to write as poor poetry as he does for that, but you 
could not begin by writing poems like some of his later ones 
now, and expect to have them published at all. You have to 
be at work. They said that Thomson, the poet, who wrote 
all his vigorous poetry about the seasons, about the delight of 
plunging into an icy bath on Christmas morning and wading 
around through the snow, never saw a snow-storm in his life, 
saving through the windows. He never got up before 1 1 
o'clock in the morning. He used to be seen traveling around 
Lord Burlington's gardens, biting the sunny sides of the 
peaches, as far as he could reach them with his jaws. When 
you have written as much vigorous poetry as he did you can 
lie in bed until 10 or n o'clock in the morning ; but before 
that time you will have to be down at 7 o'clock in the morn- 
ing, straightening the nails out of the packing boxes and 
picking up odd pieces of string that the governor tells you will 
make your fortune some of these days. {Laughter!) 

Your fortune is not to be measured by dollars and cents. 
It is a good thing to have one, but in these times, when the 
world is mad for wealth and, especially in our own land, we 
are too apt to measure what a man is worth by the dollars he 
owns, you will remember that there is something grander 
than money. Money is a good thing to have, it is convenient 
in the family, it is a good thing to ward off the wolf and scare 
away the sheriff, but it is not everything. I do not decry a 
man of colossal fortune. I like to gather up around myself 
and my own neighborhood wealthy men. I like to have them 
near me. It is a comfortable thing for me. I do not know 
how the neighbors feel about it, but I like it. So I like to 
see a man with money when it does not interfere with any- 
body else. 

A friend said to me that Mr. Vanderbilt — With whom I 
was not on an intimate personal acquaintance — that Vanderbilt 



320 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

was dead, and he had to leave his two hundred million dollars 
behind him, after all. Of course he did ! That did not bother 
him, my boy. As a business man he had to do it. It does 
not fret a man to have to leave two hundred million dollars 
behind him. He knew he was going to leave it behind him 
when he was amassing it. He did not intend to take any of it 
with him ; he never thought he would take any of it to the 
world of rest and rewards. He was going to leave it all. 
That did not worry him. It would not worry me. If I had 
two hundred million dollars to leave it would make my dying 
pillow one of down, so far as gold can soften the dying pillow. 
If, when I lie down to rest, I could think that, so far as money 
is concerned, I have piled up for my boy beautiful things for 
him in this world ; so far as gold is concerned, I have builded 
about the boy a wall through which and over which no cark- 
ing care and no tears and heartache can ever come creeping 
to trouble him ; so far as silver can do it, that I have paved for 
him a broad, fair highway all through life, upon which dust 
and mud never can come ; so far as money can do it, I have 
bought him friends that will outlast the lifetime of men — I 
would not worry about that. Why, it would make things very 
quiet for me. But when I lie down to die, and think that here 
I have got to leave my $3.50 behind me {laughter), that 
worries me — that is enough to make any man's pillow full of 
thorns ; when he has got $3.50 for his boy to begin on. You 
have a right to work to accumulate something in this world. 
You have a right to look forward to it. It is not easy, because 
there is no easy place in this world. After you have worked 
hard and diligently and accumulated some wealth, that will 
give you leisure to do something, not only for yourselves, but 
for other men. 

It is not only right, but it is your duty to pile up some- 
thing for yourselves out of your profession or whatever 
your business may be, and to be an honest man. Remem- 
ber that, as Brother Conwell told you, honesty is not only the 
best policy, but it is a principle as grand and eternal as the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 32 1 

suns themselves. Deal honestly with men and you will find 
that the world will deal honestly with you — the world will 
meet you half way. It is an honest, loving, generous, good, 
kind-hearted world, and if the majority of men in it will fail, it 
is because they have a lack of proper teaching. When you go 
out into the world and come into daily contact with men, live 
honest, honorable, upright lives as business men, as you have 
made yourselves honest in society. You will die some time, 
and be forgotten in fifteen minutes, but for heaven's sake do 
not be forgotten before you die. Rush around, make a noise in 
the world, do something, impress yourselves upon society and 
make people understand that you are going to carry your part 
of the ward anyhow, even if you only have your own ticket 
in your vest pocket. Be yourselves, and base yourselves upon 
yourselves, carrying out the principles you have learned in 
this school. Believe in yourselves. You must believe in 
yourselves, and you must have confidence in yourselves. If 
you do not believe that you can keep a set of books better 
than any man in Philadelphia, your time in this school has 
been wasted. But do not say so. It irritates old bookkeepers 
to have us talk that way. But whether you tell them so or 
not, believe that you know more about bookkeeping than 
they. Believe that you have forgotten more than the man who 
taught you ; rise above your teachers when you get out of 
school ; feel sorry for them. That is the way to make your' 
selves felt in the world. If you do not believe in yourselves, 
nobody else will. 

All things are possible to the man who believes, and 
nothing is possible to him who does not believe ; and if a 
man does not believe in himself he never accomplishes any- 
thing, never does anything and never gets anywhere. Men 
tell me that it is foolish to tell these young men that they 
know more than the rest of us older ones, but you do. I used 
to know more than my father years ago. I do not now ; I 
have some sense now, not much. It is a good thing for us 
that you young men and women come out of these schools 



322 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

knowing more than the rest of us, because we know so little 
that we cannot get along without you. All young men know 
more than their seniors. {Applause) 

Suppose Robert Fulton had known no more than his 
father, we would not now be traveling on a steamboat that 
may blow up with us some time. We would be waiting for a 
steamboat yet. Suppose George Stephenson had known no 
more than his father, we would still be waiting for the railroads. 
Suppose Edison had known no more than his father, we might 
have waited through ages for the old man to think up an 
electric light or a telephone. Suppose Christopher Columbus 
had not known any more than his father, where would we be 
to-night? We would be sitting down in the swamps some- 
where in the Neck, waiting for somebody to come over and 
discover us. {Laughter?) 

Go out into the world believing that what you have been 
taught in this school has been the truth ; that you do know 
what you know ; that you can apply the rules and principles 
that have been taught you here to actual practice in the world. 
Go out and stand beside the oldest and most experienced man 
in the business, and trot the old fellow one heat anyway, just 
for fun and to see what there is in the colt. Believe in your- 
selves, that you can accomplish great things, and that you are 
not afraid of the world at all. Be diligent in your business, 
and you shall some day stand before kings. 

There are people who have success forced upon them, it 
is true. There are generals who do not know enough to be 
corporals ; there are captains who could not rate as able 
seamen ; there are men in places who have no business there ; 
men in positions who are not qualified for the positions they 
hold ; but, bless you, the promise was not for them ; they do 
not " stand " before kings ; they crouch, they cringe, they 
creep and crawl before them. You some time are to reflect 
as much credit upon the monarch before whom you stand 
by your services as he can reflect upon you by employing 
you. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 323 

Take hold of this world and carry it evenly and justly, 
deal out rewards to it, and be manly men and womenly women 
yourselves. It is a great, big, earnest, loving world. Some- 
times when you feel downhearted and sorrowful, sometimes 
when you begin to wonder what will become of the rest of us 
when you pass away, sometimes when you wonder what we 
all did before you came here, stop to consider that there are 
about eight billions of us here, and you are one with all these 
eight billions around, and that you will make that one count. 
Feel that the world is placed into your hands to make a better, 
honester, fairer world of it, and to bring good nature, bright- 
ness, happiness and honorable and upright business methods 
into it. {Applause '.) 

You are to dispel a certain amount of suspicion with 
which people look upon each other just now. A young 
fellow said to me sometime ago, " It is a world of suspicion ; 
what is the use of trying to do right and be honest ; everybody 
suspects me. If I buy a bill of goods and want credit, before 
shipping them to me they go to the Mercantile Agency and 
find out what my standing is. If I go to a bank to have a 
draft cashed, the cashier says in effect to me, ' You are a liar ; 
you have no money anywhere ; bring some man here who 
will endorse this or some one you know, otherwise I will not 
give you any money ; I do not believe you- have got any 
money in the world.'" That is what he does. He is com- 
pelled to do that ; he has suffered so much at our hands. 

See if you cannot bring about a better state of affairs. 
Ha\e trust and confidence in the world, and we do hope for 
you, and pray for you all the success which can come to 
young men and young women in this world. We hope you 
will not long play on the typewriter, but that you will soon 
own the typewriter and the fascinating young woman or man 
who operates so skillfully upon it ; that you will sit in the 
highest seat of the house, and that other men will come to 
you and ask you for positions. We believe the world will be 
safe with you ; we commit it to your hands, and know you 



324 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

will take good care of it, and carry it along. We believe in 
you because so much is possible at your hands. The whole 
world stands here to-night envying you because this is the 
grandest night in your lives. You envy no one else here. 
You stand here to-night, receiving, at the hands of Philadel- 
phia city, such a reception as Boston, the centre of culture in 
this land, would give to John L. Sullivan, if he should happen 
to come home. You stand here with diplomas and with the 
eyes of "two grandpapas" resting upon you. You stand 
here to-night, the envy of every man and woman in this house, 
because the world is before you. Artemas Ward said, when 
some one told him that he had a great future before him, that 
he was glad to hear it, as he always supposed it was behind 
him. {Laughter}) Yours is before you. There are men and 
women here worth millions, but you do not envy one of them, 
because of the difference in your ages and the positions which 
you occupy. You do not envy anybody on this night of your 
graduation; you envy no one at this time of life. If you 
envy any man worth millions, and his gray hair and his tot- 
tering step, his failing sight and his quavering voice, his ten or 
twelve years of life, industry and activity — if you envy such 
a man as that to-night ; you with the whole world before you ; 
you with the light of the morning sun shining down upon 
you ; you with your hearts singing in your breasts because 
you cannot help it ; you with half a century of hard work 
stretching out before you ; you with the whole wide world 
before you, an unwritten page upon which you are to mark 
and make your own records — if you envy these men who 
have gone so far beyond you in the race, a moment to-night, 
my dear boy, you are a fool, and you are scattering ashes 
upon the roses that only bloom in perfection in the morning. 
You envy no one ; aye, even though poverty await you ; if 
trial, if a life of adversity, if care, pain and trouble be the only 
things that await you in the next half century of your life- 
time, still you should hold your heads up to-night, and thank 
God that your mission is as He made it. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 325 

We give the world to you to-night ; the world of Phila- 
delphia and its environments, and the outlying provinces 
which comprise the rest of this planet. We give it into your 
hands, to do with it as God gives you strength and wisdom, 
to make a better, purer and happier world out of it. God 
bless you all. (Hearty and prolonged applause)) 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peirce School oi Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Thursday Evening, Dec. 19, 1889, 



AT 7.45 O'CLOCK, 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH SCHOOL YEAR. 



-^ PROGRAMMED 

Thursday KVei^ii^g, Dec. 19, 1889 

MUSIC BY THE 

Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.45 O'CLOCK. 

CHARLES M. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 



OVERTURE— Paragraph No. j, . Suppe 

SERENADE OF THE MANDOLINES (Pizzicato), . Desormes 

SELECTION— "The Brigands; 1 Offenbach 

MARCH — " Standard Bearer]' Fahrbach 

FACULTY, GRADUATES AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. F. A. MUHLENBERG, D. D., LL. D., 

Ex-President Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa. 

CAVATINA, Raff 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
WILLIAM M. SINGERLY, 

SELECTION— "The Oolah? Lecocq 

Annual Address, President GEORGE EDWARD REED. D.D., LL D., 
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. 

OVERTURE—" Southern Pastimes? Catlin 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 

XYLOPHONE SOLO—" Fantasia;' Stobbe 

Performed by Mr. William Stobbe. 

Address to Graduates, Bishop CYRUS D. FOSS, D. D., LL. D., 

Ex-President Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. 

SELECTION— "Clover? Suppe 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 
GALOP — "Cricket? Weingarten 



List of @paduat9s, ©lass of '89. 



Alcott, Watson Kenderdine Pennsylvania. 

Alderfer, Clayton Harley ... . . Pennsylvania. 

Allebach, Ezra Gottshall Pennsylvania. 

Bacharach, Solomon Pennsylvania. 

Bailey, Melvin Moses Maine. 

Barlow, Nathan Andrew Pennsylvania. 

Batchelor, William Pennsylvania. 

Bell, Alexander J New Jersey. 

Benner, Bainbridge Charles Pennsylvania. 

Benninghoff, Thomas Smith Pennsylvania. 

Be van, William Edward Pennsylvania. 

Blackburn, John Wesley Pennsylvania. 

Blades, Clarence Everett Maryland. 

Branin, Francis Aquila New Jersey. 

Brehman, Charles Schaeffer Pennsylvania. 

Brodhead, Thomas Clinton Pennsylvania. 

Burger, Carl August Pennsylvania. 

Byrom, Horace Pennsylvania. 

Cadwallader, Isaac Price New Jersey. 

Cahoon, Wilbur Benson Delaware. 

Cariss, James Wright Pennsylvania. 

Carter, Louise Fowler New Jersey. 

Cassel, William C Pennsylvania. 

Chew, Charles Locke New Jersey. 

Chubb, William Curtis Pennsylvania. 

Clymer, Hattie Emma Pennsylvania. 

Cooper, Irving Thompson Delaware. 

Costello, Henry Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Cressman, Allen Grove Pennsylvania. 

Delp, Howard Wampole Pennsylvania. 

Dern, Frances Lister Pennsylvania. 

Devlin, James Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Duff, Mary Frances Pennsylvania. 

Dungan, Walter Putt Pennsylvania. 

Eby, Jacob Wilmer Pennsylvania. 

Eyre, George Herbert Pennsylvania. 

Frantz, Wilbur McComas Pennsylvania. 

Frederick, George Pennsylvania. 

Frederick, Oliver Detwiler Pennsylvania. 



330 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Gayde, Mary Effie . . Pennsylvania. 

Gildemeyer, May Pennsylvania. 

Gotwals, Irwin Johnson Pennsylvania. 

Groom, William Willard Pennsylvania. 

Hahn, Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Hall, Ethel Vert Pennsylvania. 

Hamilton, William Andrew Pennsylvania. 

Hart, Philip Aloysious Pennsylvania. 

Harvey, Glendye Pennsylvania. 

Heller, Francis Elmer Pennsylvania. 

Hendricks, Augustus William Pennsylvania. 

Herrlein, Sylvia Clara . . . . ' ' Pennsylvania. 

Himes, Robert Lewis Pennsylvania. 

Hodgson, Robert Cann Pennsylvania. 

Hoffman, Charles H . New Jersey. 

Horrocks, James Howard Pennsylvania. 

Hosephros, Sallie Josephine Pennsylvania. 

Illman, William Simpson : . . . Pennsylvania. 

Jacob, Robert Chalmers Pennsylvania. 

Jarman, Thomas Jones Pennsylvania. 

Jones, Frank Coleman Pennsylvania. 

Jones, William Cooper Pennsylvania. 

Kahn, Alexander Jacob . . Florida. 

Keely, Henry Clark Pennsylvania. 

Keller, Harvey Pennsylvania. 

Kerr, David Fulton Pennsylvania. 

Kindig, Marvin Clark Pennsylvania. 

Kirk, Harry Theodore Pennsylvania. 

Koch, John Franklin Pennsylvania. 

Kopenhaver, Jacob Conner Pennsylvania. 

Kresge.John Horace., Pennsylvania. 

Lock, Warren Lincoln Pennsylvania. 

Luffbarry, William Henry, Jr Pennsylvania. 

McCaughey, James Edward Pennsylvania. 

McGlensey, Leo Alphonsis Pennsylvania. 

Manlove, Francis Asbury Pennsylvania. 

Metzler, Henry Gottlob . Germany. 

Miller, John Samuel Pennsylvania. 

Milliken, Martha Bell Pennsylvania. 

Morris, Lizzie Clara Delaware. 

Munday, James John Pennsylvania. 

Nawn, John Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Nice, John Lever Pennsylvania. 

O'Brien, Charles Francis Pennsylvania. 

Oellers, Richard Gardiner, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Oulahan, Mary Pennsylvania. 

Oulahan, Thomas Francis Pennsylvania. 

Paist, Charles, Jr Pennsylvania. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 33 I 

Paist, Frederick Mackey Pennsylvania. 

Parvin, Charles Walter • ■ New Jersey. 

Patterson, Francis Hubley Pennsylvania. 

Pollard, Thomas Pennsylvania. 

Pote, Elva Pennsylvania. 

Potts, George Edwin Pennsylvania. 

Powell, Wilfred Norris New Jersey. 

Raber, Charles Smith Pennsylvania. 

Reed, Milton Sabold Pennsylvania. 

Reimel, Stewart Pennsylvania. 

Rice, Preston Fox Pennsylvania. 

Richards, George Henry Pennsylvania. 

Richards, William Edward , Pennsylvania. 

Roche, Catharine Agnes ' Pennsylvania. 

Rossiter, Mahlon, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Rudolph, Joseph Reed Pennsylvania. 

Sale, George Thomas Pennsylvania. 

Sanborn, James Edward Pennsylvania. 

Saxton, Abraham Lincoln Pennsylvania. 

Schmidt, John Peter Pennsylvania. 

Scholl, Harvey Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Schultz, Allen Kriebel Pennsylvania. 

Seipt, Samuel Anders Pennsylvania. 

Seltzer, Ralph Edgar Pennsylvania. 

Sexton, Grant Pennsylvania. 

Shallcross, Omar Pennsylvania. 

Sharkey, Francis Dennis . . Pennsylvania. 

Shearer, William Pyle Pennsylvania. 

Shepherd, Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Sheridan, John Matthew Pennsylvania. 

Simmons, Charles Henry Pennsylvania. 

Slotterer, William Slifer Pennsylvania. 

Smedley, William Pennsylvania. 

Smith, John Kid Lee , . .Pennsylvania. 

Spaeter, Philip Henry Pennsylvania. 

Springer, Henry Hansicker Pennsylvania. 

Stafford, James D Pennsylvania. 

Starr, William Cobb New Jersey. 

Steen, Lizzie Pennsylvania. 

Stevenson, Robert Galbraith Pennsylvania. 

Sykes, George, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Thornley. Alfred Pennsylvania. 

Wagner, William Pennsylvania. 

Weisel, Oscar William Pennsylvania. 

Welsh, Walter Sylvester Pennsylvania. 

Weymer, Spencer Kennard Pennsylvania. 

Wilkins, Jasper C • " . . . New Jersey. 

Williams. Robert Martin , Pennsylvania. 



33 2 



ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 



Woodman, Henry Ewer Pennsylvania. 

Worthington, George Custer Pennsylvania. 

Young, Harry Paul Pennsylvania. 

Young, William Y Pennsylvania. 

Zook, Blanche DeGroot Pennsylvania. 

Total, One Hundred and Forty. 



SBiocjpapr}i©a.l Scoter} 
Prodopiol^ j\ugustus ^luhjloqbQPCj. 



Educator, doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, author, president of 
Muhlenberg College. 

This venerable divine, eminent in every department of learning, 
was born in Lancaster, Pa., August 25, 1818. He graduated at Jefferson 
College in 1836, and was connected with Princeton Theological Seminary 
in 1838. He was licensed in 1854, and ordained, 1855, in the Evangelical 
Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania. 

He was professor in Franklin College from 1838 till 1850, and of 
Greek in Pennsylvania College from 1850 till 1867. He was first president 
of Muhlenburg College from 1867 till 1876; professor of the Greek 
language and literature in the University of Pennsylvania from 1876 
until a very recent date ; and for the last two years president of Thiel 
College, Mercer county, Pa., and professor of Latin. 

In 1867 Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., conferred upon 
him the degree of D. D., and in 1887 he received that of LL. D. from 
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., and from Franklin and Marshall 
College. 

Dr. Muhlenberg holds a high rank as a Greek scholar and instructor, 
to say nothing of his proficiency in other languages. As a Lutheran 
writer he is well known, and as an eloquent and graceful orator. 

He is a devoted friend of learning in all its branches, and, in com- 
mon with all well-ordered intellects, he advocates early training and 
careful, thorough review and examination from time to time, just as it is 
now practiced in more than one institution in which this learned and 
eminent Christian gentleman is held in most affectionate veneration. 

N.H. 



Prayer 
F^qV. F. A. ^uMeqborg, ID. ID., Lb. ID 



Let us unite in prayer. 

Almighty and Everlasting God, who art everywhere 
present, but especially where Thy people are gathered 
together, in numbers large or small, for the purpose of wor- 
shiping Thee, grant unto us at this time the aid of Thy Holy 
Spirit, that we may offer up our praises and prayers unto Thee 
in the name of our divine Redeemer and Mediator, Jesus 
Christ. 

We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the 
blessings of this life, but especially for the redemption of our 
race by Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; for the means of 
grace and for the hope of glory. We bless Thee also for this 
fair land, of which, by Thy kind providence, we have been 
given possession ; where we enjoy the blessings of liberty, of 
civilization and of Christian institutions, far above those that 
are enjoyed by most of the inhabitants of our earth. Give 
unto us grace to show forth Thy praise for all these great and 
infinite blessings to us, not only with our lips but in our lives, 
by giving up ourselves to Thy service and walking in the 
ways of innocence and uprightness all our days, to the glory 
of Thy most great and excellent name. 

And, now on this occasion, when we are gathered 
together in behalf of a Christian institution — an institution 
organized for the purpose of fitting the young for the proper 
discharge of the duties of life, we implore Thy blessing upon 
the Principal, the teachers, the pupils, and all those who shall 
take part in these exercises ; may Thy grace be with them in 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 335 

* this and all their future duties ; that they may be performed 
in such a manner as to minister to their own satisfaction and 
edification, and of all those participating in or connected with 
them. 

We earnestly beseech Thee to pour out Thy spirit upon 
all Christian institutions of learning and religion — all Chris- 
tian colleges and universities throughout our land and 
throughout the world, that all who teach and all who 
are taught in them may unite together with Thee in the great 
work of breaking down the kingdom of Satan and of build- 
ing up the kingdom of Thy dear Son and promoting the 
cause of human happiness. 

We also pray that Thou wilt visit with Thy blessing the 
rulers of our land; the President of the United States, the Gov- 
ernor of this State, and all who are invested with legislative, 
judicial or executive authority; that they may have wisdom 
given unto them to discharge their duties in Thy fear; that they 
may be " a terror to evil-doers and a praise to them that do 
well," and that, through Thy blessing upon their exertions, 
the peace, the prosperity and happiness of our land may be 
promoted, and the Christian institutions — civil, social and 
religious — which we enjoy may be continued to our posterity, 
unimpaired from generation to generation. 

And graciously prosper the labors of Thy servants in all 
lands, that the religion of our divine Redeemer may be 
extended throughout the whole earth, until the whole human 
race shall be united in the praise and service of Thee and the 
love of each other. 

Hear us in these our petitions, and also when we pray in 
accordance with the commandment of our divine Redeemer: 
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy 
kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us ; and lead us not 
into temptation, but deliver us from e.vil, for Thine is the king- 
dom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. 



Biography iea.1 Sl^et©h| 
WiUieirq ;^Iisl^oy cBiqgerly 



Journalist, merchant, railroad manager, manufacturer, farmer, 
public benefactor. 

Of this well-known and enterprising editor Appleton's Cyclopaedia 
of American Biography says : " Born in Philadelphia, December 27, 1832. 
He was educated in the Philadelphia High School, and trained to mer- 
cantile business. From 1859 to J 88i he was connected with the city 
railways, and since 1877 ne has been the publisher of The Philadelphia 
Record. His newspaper has been the instrument for correcting various 
abuses. In 1884 he effected arrangements by which the people of Phila- 
delphia obtained fuel for one-quarter less than they had paid. He has 
built seven hundred dwellings in a previously unimproved suburb of 
Philadelphia. Besides his finely appointed printing office, he conducts 
extensive pulp and paper mills at Elkton, Md., and has devoted much 
attention to breeding beef and dairy cattle and trotting horses on model 
farms in Pennsylvania and Kentucky." 

To the above sketch may be added that, alert, fearless and fair, Mr. 
Singerly is a model American journalist — one who delights in denounc- 
ing "the wrong that needs resistance" no less than in championing 
"the right that lacks assistance." With unbounded faith in the people 
of the United States, a warm friend of educational institutions, he fairly 
represents and reflects the sentiments of his half million readers, and no 
journal of the day is more frequently quoted or more widely copied from 
than is The Philadelphia Record — the hope of the oppressed, the terrcr 
of evil-doers, terse, spicy, frank and full of news. The aspiring young 
editor can have no more worthy patron than this progressive gentle- 
man. N. H. 



BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Willia.nq J^I. Siqgorly. 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — The programme that Professor 
Peirce has just handed me calls for introductory remarks by 
the president. I did not so understand it before, and will 
proceed to introduce the speakers of the evening. 

I take very great pleasure in introducing President George 
Edward Reed, who will deliver the annual address. 



OF 

GcQOpgo EdWa.pd r^oo'd. 



Doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, president of Dickinson College, 
distinguished Methodist minister, popular orator. 

Was born at Brownville, Me., March 28, 1846. When he was about 
six years old his widowed mother removed with her large family to Lowell, 
where George attended school until he was sixteen — working on a farm 
in the summer to assist his mother. Afterward he worked in a mill, 
cherishing the hope to become a lawyer. 

In 1864, at a revival meeting, held by Dr. J. O. Peck, young George 
was converted, and determined to study for the ministry. 

Under great disadvantages, and after heroic efforts, he graduated 
from the Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, Mass., in 1865. In 1869 
he was graduated from the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., 
and then for one year attended the Theological School of Boston 
University. 

In 1870 he joined the Providence Conference of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and received an appointment at Willimantic, Conn. 
After two years of service here and three at Fall River, Mass., he went, 
in 1875, t0 tne Hanson Place Church, in Brooklyn, the largest Methodist 
Church in the United States. Here he was favored with results far 
beyond his hopes during his three years' pastorate, 525 persons being 
added to the membership of the church. 

After a trip to Europe in 1877 Dr. Reed did good service in Stam- 
ford, Conn. ; in the Nostrand Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, 
Brooklyn ; and, for the second time, in the Hanson Place Church, to the 
pastorate of which he was again called in 1884. On leaving, in 1887, to 
take the charge of the large Trinity Church at New Haven, Conn., a 
grand reception and testimonial were extended him at the Brooklyn 
Tabernacle, By citizens of the citv, irrespective of denominational lines. 

In 1889, he became president of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., 
and has so ably and efficiently filled that office as to command the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 339 

reverence and win the applause of every friend of that excellent 
institution. 

In addition to his extensive services to the church as preacher and 
pastor, President Reed is widely known as a lecturer and platform orator, 
particularly in the fields of sociology, temperance, philanthropy and 
reform. N. H. 



l^oV. Goopgo EdWard r^ood, 
ID. 3D., LL, ID. 



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: — Invited some 
time since by the accomplished head of the great institution 
whose graduating exercises are being celebrated here to-night, 
to deliver one of the addresses expected for this occasion, I 
willingly consented, moved thereto by the following consider- 
ations. : First, the business-like persistency of my friend, Mr. 
Peirce, who — believing profoundly in the maxim, " If you wish 
a thing well done, you must do it yourself; you must not 
leave it to others " — traveled the entire distance to Carlisle 
and back, that he might present the matter in person — not 
daring, it would seem, to trust to the mail, even though this 
important branch of the public service be under the super- 
vision of no less a man than Philadelphia's pride, John Wana- 
maker himself; second, because I had long cherished a desire 
to examine the workings of an institution of which I had 
already heard not a little; and, third, because the event would 
afford, not only the opportunity of beholding his own superb 
institution, but also of looking in the face an audience the 
like of which in point of numbers and intelligence, as Mr. 
Peirce assured me, neither New York, nor Brooklyn, nor 
Chicago, nor even Boston could hope to equal, and which, 
therefore, would furnish me— a comparatively unknown col- 
lege president, with my spurs yet to win — the occasion of my 
life ! {Applause}) Why wonder that under these glowing 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 34I 

representations I should consent. How could one do other- 
wise ? 

Then, as if the better to impress me with a due sense of 
the greatness of the occasion, the eloquent gentleman pro- 
ceeded in his enthusiastic way to call over the names of those 
already secured to grace the hour with their presence, and to 
charm you with their words of wisdom and of wit: of Dr. 
Foss, the devout and accomplished Bishop of the Church in 
which both of us are reckoned as members {applause) ; of the 
distinguished gentleman — the accomplished editor of one of 
your great dailies — The Record — who would preside (applause); 
and of the many eloquent men who, in preceding years and 
on similar occasions, had spoken from this platform — Little, 
Hall, Peck, Talmage and Gough, together with a host beside, 
of whom time fails me to speak — some of whom, as honored 
guests, would be present here to-night. 

Apparently satisfied with the impression thus produced, 
my friend hastened away to his Philadelphia home, leaving me 
to recover my equanimity as best I might. In this I was suc- 
ceeding tolerably well, when suddenly there appeared on my 
desk a mysterious package, containing, as on opening I found, 
copies of all the addresses delivered by the speakers at pre- 
vious anniversaries of the College, which addresses I was 
solemnly adjured " to read, mark well and inwardly digest." 
I did so, and ever since have been a wiser, if not a happier 
man. 

Since that hour Peirce's Business College has been haunt- 
ing my thoughts by day and disturbing my dreams by night. 

After all that had been said — after Talmage, momentarily 
forgetful even of Brooklyn and its famous Tabernacle, had 
declared that " of lands beloved of the Highest, America is 
the land He loves the most ; that of its cities Philadelphia is 
the chiefest of all ; and of the institutions of a city renowned 
for the number and excellence of its many public and private 
enterprises, Peirce's Business College is one of the greatest, 
the hour of its anniversary season the supremest hour in the 



342 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

life of the city" — after all this, what more could remain for 
any man than a dull repetition of the eulogiums of former 
years ! 

I was appalled. I felt like sending in my resignation, 
even though in so doing I should miss " the occasion of my 
life." Then came a reaction. I grew skeptical. I said that 
the matter had been overdone ; that the speakers had exag- 
gerated the facts ; that the dinners for which Mr. Peirce is 
famous, and with which he is accustomed to regale the gentle- 
men from whom speeches are expected, just before their appear- 
ance on this rostrum — and of one of which I here confess 
myself to have just partaken — (laughter) had turned their 
heads, and that believing gratitude to be, as denned by some 
one, " a lively expectation of favors to come," they had but 
chosen in this way to secure for themselves invitations for the 
coming year. {Laughter?) Vain hope ! as Mr. Peirce never 
repeats his favors ! 

Influenced by these considerations, I began a series of 
investigations, having the Peirce Business College as the 
objective point. 

Where, I asked, is this Business College ? What its 
purpose, history, and sphere ? What its relation to the great 
educational movements of the age ? 

In answer, I discovered the following facts : that Peirce's 
Business College is an institution located in the heart of 
Philadelphia, in one of its greatest thoroughfares, and with a 
habitat in one of the noblest of the many superb edifices in 
which your favored city abounds ; an institution in which busi- 
ness ideas are being taught in a very practical, common-sense 
way ; where the transactions are the real transactions of every- 
day business life ; where instruction is afforded in all matters 
pertaining to mercantile affairs, and in perfect accord with 
soundest principles of ethics, of current business methods and 
the general laws of commerce and of trade. To advantages 
such as these must be added thorough drill in the elementary 
branches indispensable in mercantile, commercial or banking 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 343 

pursuits — penmanship, arithmetic, and last, but by no means 
least, in the spelling of English words. 

What a pity that so few of our people, even those who 
are graduates from our colleges, normal and preparatory 
schools, know how to spell really well. 

Surely in this particular we are not the equals of those 
who, fifty years ago, were but graduates from the old-fash- 
ioned district schools, with which some of us are so familiar. 
In proof of which I cite an instance which occurred a year or 
two ago, in the city of New Haven — seat of Yale University, 
and, presumably, the very hot-bed of New England's boasted 
culture — where a " spelling-match," after the custom of the 
olden days, was being held. 

Of the number participating — who stood up to be spelled 
down, eight were undergraduates of Yale ; three were mem- 
bers of the senior class ; four or five were teachers in the 
public schools of the city, while of those remaining all made 
pretensions to having received a good common-school 
education. 

Every one went down before the sixtieth word had been 
reached — myself amongst the others. Contrast that spectacle 
with what would have been seen had a similar contest taken 
place fifty years ago in well-nigh any one of the red school- 
houses dotting the New England hills. For the boys and girls 
of those days the dictionary itself would have had nothing 
whatever of terror. 

I discovered, in addition, abundant provision for training 
in the all-important matter of accounts — the faithful and 
methodical recording of the daily transactions of a business 
house ; also a Banking Department, wherein instruction is 
given in all that pertains to the great banking interests ; 
wherein deposits are made of currency having a real, rather 
than a fictitious value, with no opportunities for overissue of 
stock or of defalcation, save as President Peirce himself 
might choose to decamp with the moneys confided to his 
keeping. (Laughter?) 



344 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

I found a college wherein young men preparing to be mer- 
chants, bankers and manufacturers are taught neither to put 
sand in sugar, chicory in coffee, oleomargarine for butter, nor 
to buy and sell crops which fields will not produce within ten 
years from the date of the alleged transaction, twenty lectures 
per month on the wrongfulness of such dealings being fur- 
nished by the accomplished Dean of the College, the Rev. Mr. 
Thompson, Instructor in Commercial Ethics. 

Surely if reasonable heed be given to the teachings of 
this eminent authority in business ethics we need have little 
fear that the young men and women graduating from the Peirce 
Business College will be as interested in the geography of a 
neighboring province, as have been so many of those whose 
sudden and mysterious departures have in late years so excited 
the public mind. Canada will not be so popular as a place of 
resort as heretofore has been the case. (Laughter') They 
will not have to pray with their faces toward — Montreal. 

And, ladies and gentlemen, when I had concluded the 
investigation of which I have been speaking, my mind again 
reacted. The case had not been overstated by the eminent 
gentlemen to whom I have referred. On the contrary, having, 
as it were, traversed the domain of my friend, Principal Peirce, 
having beheld its glory, I felt that I could well afford to 
exclaim with her who in days of yore come to spy out the 
glory and test the wisdom of the wisest and mightiest of the 
monarchs of the world, "The half has never been told me." 

Since that hour I have been an advocate of this College, 
convinced as I am that within its walls is to be gained that 
thorough business training without which no man, whatever 
his chosen line of work, whether medicine, or law, or science, 
or the ministry, no less than a purely business career, can be 
considered as fully equipped for his task. Send, then, your 
children to a Business College ; send them to the Peirce Busi- 
ness College ; send them either before or after you send them 
to the literary schools. {Slight applause) Well, if you are 
going to give a cheer, why not give one that shall be worthy 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 3_J5 

of you ? (Loud applmise) That's for you, Principal Peirce. 
I am altogether too modest a man for such a suggestion, save 
for a cause. {Laughter?) 

Studying the methods of the College, I was equally well 
pleased, the methods and their application being, in substance, 
identical with those insisted upon so assiduously by Mr. 
Squeers in the famous school described by Dickens, in his 
" Nicholas Nickleby." 

You remember that in that famous school the following 
was the invariable method: Spell "Go." "G-o, go." Spell 
"Wash." "W-a-s-h, wash." "Winder." " W-i-n-d-e-r, 
winder." " Right : Go wash winder. Now go and do it." 
" That's our method, Nickleby." And that, so far as practical, 
is the method in this College — theory followed by immediate 
application of the same to actual procedures of business life. 

There is, then, in the city of Philadelphia — I think it can 
be said without forcing the imagination, without exaggeration, 
and as a simple statement of the honest truth — an institution 
which, of its kind, has no superior within the limits of the 
United States of America — a fact of which all Philadelphians 
should be justly proud. 

Advancing to the second question, namely, the need of 
institutions like the Peirce Business College, I had very little 
difficulty. Here I could fall back upon my own experience. 
I remembered seeing, three or four days before, a little circular, 
with the heading, " Of what use can we be to you ? " to which 
this gentleman's name (turning to Principal Peirce) was 
appended, and that, on seeing it, I had sat down forthwith to 
ask him for information as to the way in which a set of books 
should be opened, that part of my education having been most 
unfortunately neglected. What little knowledge I had of 
Latin, Greek and Hebrew were of no avail to me in the face 
of the duties incident to my new position. They availed me 
nothing in the presence of the actual necessities confronting 
me, and which have confronted thousands more who have 
found themselves in similar situations. And now, ladies and 



346 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

gentlemen, thanks to Principal Peirce ! I have a set of books 
of which I am as proud as is the average small boy of the fact 
that he has had the measles. (Laughter}) I look at them, I 
admire the bindings, I take them down, I keep them. True, 
there is a certain lady who bears my name who insists that 
she does the work, and as she is present here to-night I 
certainly do not feel myself prepared to deny the assertion that 
she makes. At all events, the books are kept, and I feel 
myself under obligations to Mr. Peirce for his invaluable 
assistance. 

And yet, my predicament is that of the average collegian, 
on graduating from an institution of learning in this country. 
What more helpless sort of being, I would like to ask, is there 
on the face of the earth than the average college graduate, 
who, on stepping forth from the halls of his Alma Mater, 
"sheepskin" in hand, first finds himself face to face with the 
question what to do with himself under the circumstances in 
which he finds himself placed? In a majority of instances he 
knows neither what to do nor which way to turn. He is very 
much like the famous donkey who is reported to have died 
of absolute starvation, standing between two hay-ricks, 
untethered, simply because he could not make up his mind 
which of them to attack first. [Laughter)) This is about the 
situation in which a great many of these wise young gentlemen 
find themselves, when, with the benediction of their Alma 
Mater sounding in their ears, they go forth to their life work. 

If a young man is destined for the profession of the law, 
he feels reasonably confident. He knows that there are scores 
of professional schools in this department, with their doors 
opened wide for his reception. If he contemplates the ministry, 
he understands that he has first a theological education to 
secure, after which he expects his pathway in life will be 
reasonably smooth. If he is to be a doctor, he knows that the 
medical colleges of Yale, of Harvard, the University of Penn- 
sylvania and other distinguished schools stand with open 
arms and invite him to come. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 347 

But when he has finished these schools, he is in just as 
sorrowful a plight as he was before. He wants one thing 
more — that which the literary college does not and cannot 
give, and which no professional training school in America 
does give — a good, thorough business education. Now, the 
very crown and finish of his educational career — that which 
he most needs, so far as the preparatory part of his work is 
concerned, is a course of six months, or nine months, or one 
year in Peirce Business College, or in some institution of a 
similar grade. I say this with thoughtfulness. If he is to be 
a lawyer, what man needs to be more thoroughly versed in 
the principles of trade than the man whose chief business in 
life is to be the pacifying or fomenting of the disputes which 
arise out of the business transactions of daily life? If he is to 
be a doctor, he certainly needs to understand business, because 
a very large part of his work in the subsequent years of his 
life will be looking over books of accounts which he never 
hopes to collect, and he ought certainly to have the melan- 
choly satisfaction of knowing that his accounts are, at least, 
thoroughly well kept, even if nothing else is to be realized 
therefrom. If he is to be a minister, he most surely needs a 
business training before he goes out to his life work. The 
stock of the average young theologian consists in the few 
sermons in which is condensed the wisdom he has been able 
to acquire in the schools, and which to him are epitomes of 
all his theology — theology which he will have to thoroughly 
unlearn before getting down to that hard-pan theology which 
only the average business man of America has time to hear. 
He needs a business training. The work of the minister to- 
day is not simply the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ ; 
doubtless, it should be so, but as things now go — and we 
have to take the world as it is — but a portion of the time of the 
minister is occupied in the work of expounding the Scriptures. 
The running of a church, in these times, is of itself a colossal 
business enterprise, and it does not do for the man who stands 
at the head of a great church enterprise to be ignorant of 



348 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

business, and thus expose himself, if not to contempt, at least 
to the chaffing or merciless ridicule of the business men who 
are in his vestry or official board. If I could get the ear of 
every man going forth from a theological seminary, and about 
to enter the service of the church, I would say to him, most 
earnestly, and over and over again : " Be sure to secure a fair 
measure of business training before assuming your respon- 
sible duties." One thing he must do, anyway — and it will be a 
difficult thing for him to figure out — namely, make five dol- 
lars do the work of ten ; a matter in which he will undoubt- 
edly require the assistance of his wife. [Laughter)) 

Then, in the next place, he must oftentimes collect his own 
salary, and this will make him feel as the man did down South, 
in a case where his congregation voted to raise his salary. It 
had been three hundred dollars, and they voted to raise it to 
four hundred. Whereupon the minister, with pale face and 
determined air, arose and said : " Brethren, I beg of you not 
to do it. It almost killed me to collect three hundred dollars 
last year, and four hundred dollars this year will finish me 
absolutely." [Applause) 

I think I heard that story from Bishop Foss, and I believe 
he has been intending to tell it here to-night. If so, I have 
stolen a little of his thunder. [Laughter) 

We find that people need this business training in all the 
walks of life. Women need it as well as men ; for this seems 
to be an age in which women are beginning to have a pretty 
large sway in the ordinary matters of our daily lives. This is 
the day of advanced education for women. This is the day 
for the opening of all possible doors of opportunity for the 
entrance of woman on equal rights and privileges with her 
brother man. There has been a great advance along this line. 
It is not so long ago that, when a very cultivated woman 
waited upon a noted bishop, in the city of London, and pre- 
sented to him the necessity of giving the women of London a 
better opportunity for the acquisition of culture than the privi- 
leges afforded at that time would furnish, the good bishop 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 349 

looked the earnest woman in the face, and finally dismissed 
the whole question with the oracular remark : " She who 
knoweth how to compound a pudding, knoweth how to com- 
pound a good thing ; but a female poet I dislike. Good day, 
madam." If he had said a female pudding, I should have 
agreed with him, because the average American woman does 
not know how to make a pudding. (Laughter)) I am glad I 
am a stranger in Philadelphia after that remark. (Applause)) 

It is not over seventy years ago, when an adventurous 
schoolmaster in the very heart of Massachusetts, in the city 
of Worcester, who proposed to take a class of girls through 
common fractions, was waited upon by the fathers of the city 
and told that they objected to his course, assigning as the 
reason the fact that they did not regard the female mind as 
capable of such a triumph of genius ! 

Now the doors of seminaries and higher institutions of 
learning are opening to women on every hand, and they seem to 
be able to acquit themselves equally well with their brothers. 
Columbia, even, has opened what in these times is called an 
11 annex "—heaven save the mark — for women. Harvard, too, 
has an " annex " for women ; as if these grave and reverend 
dons had not been able to find out that so sure as a woman 
can get her head through the crack of a door she will finally 
get her whole body through, determined as she is on carrying 
through whatever she undertakes. The " annex " will be but 
the half-way house on the road to the complete and ultimate 
co-education of the sexes. 

Here, too, in your own fair city of Philadelphia, your great 
University has established an " annex " for women. It will be 
a question here, as it is getting to be a question in all these 
institutions, whether the college is the " annex " or the " annex " 
the college. There is no use in any half-way measures on this 
question. Either give them the whole privilege or shut them 
out entirely. They will be there, anyway, within the next 
twenty-five years, and we might as well smooth the way and 
submit as gracefully as possible. 



350 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

We fine} women everywhere ; they are in Peirce Business 
College; but it has no "annex" for women, thank God! 
They sit here, side by side with the young men, and, as I am 
informed by members of the Faculty, dispute with their 
brothers the palm of excellence in every department in which 
they are permitted to enter. The only trouble is that they are 
multiplying so fast in what has been considered the particular 
sphere of young men that the average young man, in Phila- 
delphia and New York, is standing around, with his hands in 
his pockets, waiting, like Mr. Micawber, for " something to 
turn up." 

Well, that difficulty will vanish away in time. It arises 
from the fact that, here in the East, there is a slight conges- 
tion of marriageable women, while in the West the matrimonial 
market is never well supplied in this direction. {Laughter}) 
What is needed is a deportation of our surplus of women, 
and, when I remember that there are some half-a-million more 
of women than of men in this part of the country, my wonder 
is that they do not take the well-known advice of Horace 
Greeley, and " Go West." 

Out there is a matrimonial market of inestimable riches. 
I read the other day of a town that had been importing Yankee 
school-mistresses for several years and every school-mistress 
had been married within three months of her arrival, and the 
rising generation were growing up with their education 
neglected because of the failure of school privileges. Finally, 
it is said, the trustees drew up a contract to the effect that the 
next young woman who came to the town as a school-mistress 
be required to sign a contract that she would not get married 
within the limits of one year after her arrival ; and the first 
arrival had the contract presented to her. She looked it over 
and very promptly, very discreetly and very emphatically 
declined to sign it. She was a business woman. I do not 
know whether she was trained in Peirce Business College or 
not. It chanced, however, that she was not only dealing with 
a business man, but a bachelor as well. Promptly he offered 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 35 1 

his own hand, which with equal promptness was accepted. 
They were married within three days. So I say to the surplus 
women of the East, " Go West," and that will relieve the over- 
burdened and oppressed young men who are waiting, as I 
have said, for something to turn up. 

You will remember that the ideal woman described in the 
Scriptures — she who knew how to apply her hands to the distaff, 
to keep her maidens at work and to order the affairs of the 
house — was emphatically a business woman, the like of whom 
has been found in every part of the Christian world. 

I wonder what most of the men on this platform would 
have been if they had not been so fortunate as to have had 
business mothers ! 

I know of a woman who was left a widow, with two 
strapping young fellows, thirteen and fourteen years of age, on 
her hands, and on a New England farm. Possibly you do not 
know what a New England farm is. I hope you never will. 
The chief crop raised is rocks, and the rocks never fail. You 
may turn and pick the soil over every year, but there is a fresh 
crop there the next year, just as if nothing had been disturbed, 
and they actually believe that the rocks grow as trees grow. 
I speak from knowledge — I was born there. (Laughter?) 

One day, a stranger riding along and noticing a man 
engaged in building a wall, said to him : " My friend, where 
under heaven did you get the stone to build that wall?" "Get 
them ? You pesky fool, look at that field yonder. Where do 
you suppose I got them?" "Well," said the stranger, "as I 
didn't miss any out of the field, I supposed you got them 
somewhere else." {Laughter and applause?) Still this woman 
to whom I have referred — with her two boys, a flock of sheep 
and a cow — got along pretty well until the winter months, and 
then what to do she did not know. The eldest boy's clothes 
had given out. But, as I have said, she was a business woman. 
Forthwith she went out and sheared five sheep, in the depth 
of winter, and in ten days had the wool made up into cloth 
and had her boys clothed ; a great thing for them, but hard 



352 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

on the sheep. She was, however, equal to the emergency ; 
for, finding some old carpet, she made it into coats and put the 
sheep in the coats, and so they weathered the winter tolerably 
well. She was determined to give her boys an education, as well 
as business training, and in this she succeeded. One of them 
grew up to be an honor to her name, and the distinguished 
pastor for fifty years of a Congregational Church in one of 
the prominent villages of New England. The other lived to 
be one of the most distinguished and successful educators of 
America, the Rev. Eliphalet Nott, for twenty-five years presi- 
dent of Union College, and revered to-day as one of the noblest 
of men and most successful educators. {Applause}) There, 
you see, was a business training, and, in view of the demands 
made upon people in this age of the world, such business 
training cannot be neglected. 

I am glad to see a few patches of snow down here in 
front of me, some who are clad in white, some who are 
young women ; and I have been told here to-night that while 
the demand for graduates of Peirce College is so great, in 
Philadelphia, that the supply is not equal to the demand, the 
women are just as much in demand for work in this line as 
are the young men. 

These are some of the reasons why a business education 
should be sought for in these times by those who are gradu- 
ates of what are known as the higher institutions of learning, 
no less than by those who are not so fortunate in this par- 
ticular. 

True, in some quarters we hear the objection that the 
instruction here given is not of that practical character which 
can only be secured by a long apprenticeship in the counting- 
room or in the store, according to the old-fashioned notions 
upon this point. The average business man of the past has 
generally regarded a college education as a positive barrier in 
the way of success in business life. 

I remember, not more than eight years ago, sitting in the 
counting-room of two of the leading merchants of the city of 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 353 

New York, themselves the masters of a colossal business. 
One of them was speaking of sending his son to college, when 
the other of the gentlemen spoke up in the most positive way 
against the project, saying that in case the young man should 
go through college, he would be absolutely disqualified for a 
business career — an idea which has been very prevalent in 
many parts of the country in years past. But the counsels of 
the father prevailed, and the young fellow was sent to an insti- 
tution in which he received a very thorough college training. 
When he came back to the store, one of the firm said : " That 
young fellow with his college airs will never do for a business 
man ; if he is going to come in here with us, he must go 
down and learn the business from the very beginning." And 
that was the old notion. The young fellow, however, pos- 
sessed a great deal of pluck, and asking no favors for himself, 
was sent out to a Pennsylvania tannery, and sat him down on 
the "buck," as they call it, for scraping hides. Contrary to 
expectation, he stuck to it for six months, and, after demon- 
strating that his college career had not necessarily robbed him 
of the higher qualities of mauhood, came back to the count- 
ing-room. I speak from positive knowledge when I say that 
that young fellow, after being in business a few months, was 
able to take charge of the largest department of their great 
enterprise and with the entire confidence of the members of 
that firm. This, I believe, can be paralleled in cases innumer- 
able. I believe that a business college should have the same 
relation to the college that the college has to the seminary 
and the professional school, and that a business education 
should be given to all those who are securing the preparatory 
education demanded by all who aspire to do successful work 
in life. 

Then there is the vast army of those who can never hope 
to enjoy the privilege of the so-called higher education, but 
who, nevertheless, are going forth into the realms of business 
life, overpacked and overcrowded, not by competent but by 
incompetent men. And here let me say that there is always 



354 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

room in the world for competent men. Skilled labor is always 
in demand, while unskilled labor, incompetent labor, is the 
labor that is crowding the market and forcing upon us strikes 
and all sorts of organizations, the one purpose of which is to 
force upon employers men who are unqualified for the higher 
forms of work. 

I submit that the great business problems that are con- 
fronting the men of this generation demand men of the very 
highest type of manhood and the most thorough equipment 
for the great tasks to which their hands must be set. More 
and more the business men of this country, and the world, are 
becoming the controlling minds of the world in almost every, 
department of effort; and this must be so increasingly in the 
future. We must have men who can not only keep accounts, 
not only make money, noble as is power in this direction — 
provided he shall employ his talents, his efforts for the benefit 
of his kind, as have some of your merchant princes of Phila- 
delphia in the past years of your history — but who shall also 
be controlling forces in the fields of politics, of literature, and 
of philanthropy. 

We want business men in Congress, and we want ten 
there where there is one now. We want business men of the 
very broadest culture as well as technical training, for is it to 
the business men of America that we must look for the building 
up of the fair fabric of this Republic to its ultimate glory and 
to its ultimate strength. We want men like your own John 
Welsh, of Philadelphia, the rich commission merchant, who 
could write LL. D. after h:s name. Your Philadelphia mer- 
chant who sat at the table of kings, illustrating the truth of 
the Scriptures : " Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he 
shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean 
men." 

Take the case of another of your distinguished sons — 
John Wanamaker — who has some thought beyond the simple 
acquisition of money ; some thought that reaches out for the 
upbuilding of man ; some thought, at least, that means the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 355 

elevation of his race. You have your other distinguished sons 
of Philadelphia who have made your city great and glorious ; 
and you need even greater men in the future than you have 
had in the past. To-day you are a million strong'; a few 
years hence, you are to be at least two millions strong, and 
you need men of the largest mental calibre, if you are to face 
the great problems which are before you and are before the 
business men of the country at large. 

You have done well in almost everything you have tried 
in Philadelphia, because you have had men of broad minds as 
well as technical skill at the head of your affairs. You have 
had the Centennial here, and it was a magnificent success. I 
wish, personally, it was going to be here again. But you 
don't want it. New York don't want it, either. She is simply 
making believe. New York is a foreign city, anyway. Chi- 
cago doesn't really want it, except to spite St. Louis. It 
should come to Philadelphia. [Applause.) You know how to 
manage these things. But you have had it. You have had 
what they call, out West, " experience," and so you don't want 
it. Out there they make a great deal of " experience." I sat 
on a log, one day, in the Yellowstone Park, with a man who 
went out there a few years before — a splendid fellow — a man 
who went out there with five thousand dollars, to start a sheep 
ranch. When I found him the sheriff had sold out everything 
he had in the world, and the money I paid him for my enter- 
ment was all he had seen or probably would see for a good 
many days. He told me all his " experience," as we sat on a 
log, swinging our feet in the water. He was proud of the fact 
that he had had " experience," and finally he turned to me 
saying : " Sir, if you know any man in the East who wants to 
come out here and start a sheep ranch, tell him to come and 
bring five thousand dollars, and we will go in together ; he to 
put in five thousand dollars, and I my ' experience.' We 
will divide the profits equally." (Laughter) You Philadel- 
phians don't want the Centennial. You have had experience; 
but you could carry it out, if you would. 



356 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

I could mention other distinguished men who have felt 
that in being born into this world they were born for the State 
and also to the world. I read the other day of the renowned 
Schliemann, the discoverer of ancient Troy — Schliemann, 
the accomplished Greek scholar. He was a merchant and a 
business man ; a man who made his fortune and then devoted 
his talents and his fortune to the cause of human learning, 
enriching all the world by his achievements in archaeological 
lines. 

Why, it was only the other day that a business man was 
elected to the presidency of one of the largest and proudest 
of the colleges, or universities, of America. I mean Seth Low, 
of Brooklyn, now " Doctor" Low, of Columbia College, a man 
who, after graduating from college, gave his life to business 
for a few years, and, having achieved success in the counting- 
room, was lifted almost by acclamation to the proud position 
he now occupies in the educational world. I could cite 
Cobden and Bright and a whole host of others who have been 
business men. 

We must remember that to the business men of the world 
— of the civilized portions of the world — are we to look for 
the civilization, at least, and possible Christianizing of those 
portions of the world which are being opened up in these 
latter days. To these we must look for what is technically 
called our Christian civilization. 

Take, for instance, that vast continent, with its teeming 
millions of dusky faces, that has but recently been opened up 
to the world through the heroism of men like David Living- 
stone. All honor to his memory ! And Baker, and the heroic 
Stanley, whose discoveries should place his name alongside 
of that of the illustrious man whom he found in the heart of 
Africa, and whom he so much resembles in character and in 
spirit. And who are the men who will open that dark conti- 
nent to the trade and commerce and educational advantages 
of the civilized world ? I say to you that the merchants of 
the world will lead in the progress of that great movement. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 357 

Some men from Philadelphia, and some men from the Peirce 
Business College will be among the men who will carry rail- 
roads and telegraphs, telephones and churches, and everything 
that pertains to a Christian civilization — except New England 
rum. (Laughter and applause}) 

Now, then, in view of the great problems arising in this 
land, we need business men at the front, business men of 
trained powers, who can hold their own with the intellectual 
athletes of the world as well as with their compeers in the 
realm of business. 

Success, then, to the cause of education ! Success to the 
public schools of the country ! Success to the colleges and 
seminaries of the land ! Success to the business college ! 
Success to the Peirce Business College ! May it play an 
important part in the great educational movement of the age. 
{Applause^) 



/^cLcLpqss of F^pii^eipal F^oipoo 

TO THE 

Gtpadu.cLtiqg ©lass. 



Observing a time-honored custom, I desire a word or 
two with you before you are formally addressed as a graduat- 
ing class by our good Bishop Foss, who has kindly accepted 
my invitation to perform that service to-night. 

In the name of the Principal and of the Faculty, I beg you 
to study yourselves, how wonderfully you are made, and to- 
learn all you can of your Maker. For, believe me, as one 
coming within the description so aptly made by Victor Hugo, 
that, at the years which are now mine — " I have ceased to be 
an old man, and have entered upon the youth of old age" — 
I personally testify that the old fathers were right when they 
so ]poldly and so grandly and so eloquently declared that the 
chief end and aim of a human life is to glorify the God who 
gave it. 

Whether you may be called to positions of prominence, 
or shall fulfil your life's destiny in obscurity, I entreat you to- 
be faithful to whatever trust may be placed in your hands. 
Be true, and may you make such a record that when audited 
by the Great Accountant of the Universe, He shall declare 
from His Judgment Seat on that Great Day, when we shall 
see as we are seen, " Well done, good and faithful servant, 
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." {Applause?) 



IE>iogpciph|i©a.l ST^otisIq 
6ypus ]DaVid Foss. 



Doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, president of Wesleyan Univer- 
sity, bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

This eminent divine, who lets pass no opportunity to aid young 
men, was born in Kingston, N. Y., January 17, 1834, and graduated at 
Wesleyan University in 1854, with the highest honors of his class. He 
taught three years in Amenia Seminary, New York, the latter part of the 
time as principal. 

He entered the traveling ministry in the New York Conference in 
the spring of 1857, and was stationed at Chester, Orange county, N. Y., 
1857—59. Transferred to New York East Conference, he was for the next 
six years in the city of Brooklyn, and afterward in several churches 
(■from 1865 till 1875) i n New York city. 

In 1875 he was elected president of Wesleyan University, and 
served with marked ability and success till' the General Conference of 
May, 1880, when he was elected and ordained a bishop. His residence 
was at Minneapolis, Minn., but his episcopal duties have called him to 
travel through all parts of this country and also to visit the foreign mis- 
sions of his church in Europe and in Mexico; and he has now (1893) 
just started on a missionary tour around the globe. His home is now in 
Philadelphia. 

Bishop Foss is a man of superior abilities, an able preacher and an 
earnest and devout Christian. He was a member of the General Con- 
ference in 1872, 1876 and 1880. 

He received the degree of D. D. from Wesleyan University in 1870, 
and that of LL. D. from Cornell College, Iowa, in 1879, and also from 
the Pennsylvania University in 1889. He has contributed to current 
literature, and has published sermons and addresses, including " Songs 
in the Night," a Thanksgiving sermon (New York, 1862); his inaugural 
address as president of Wesleyan University (1876); semi-centennial 
oration at Wesleyan University (1881), and an article on "Politics and 
the Pulpit," in the North American Review (November, 1892), and other 
works. N. H. 



/Vddposs to th|Q Qpaduatos 

BY 

F^oV. JBishjop (§yrus ID. Foss, 
ID. ID., Lb. ID. 



Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Especially 
the Graduates of Peirce's Business College : — I desire to 
speak to you, with such reasonable brevity as the lateness of 
the hour suggests, concerning the magnificent opportunity 
before the American business young man of to-day. 

I emphasize three words — business, American, to-day. 
I mean to confine myself, in speaking, to the great business 
openings in this crisis age and in this crisis country. The 
most thoughtful patriots and philanthropists are often led to 
feel that their own age and their own country are fraught with 
interests for humanity and with promise for future ages greater 
than multiplied decades of common years. It is this tendency 
which underlies the popular American doctrine of " manifest 
destiny," according to which fate has decreed (and who can 
resist the sure fiat?) the indisputable pre-eminence of our own 
nation among the nations of the earth. We do well thus to 
admonish ourselves of our liability to overestimate the critical 
importance of our own. standing place .in the great world 
arena. 

But it would be idle to dispute the fact that there are 
periods immensely momentous to the world. Long ages have 
been preparing the way for them. The man of destiny has 
come. The clock has struck. The deed has been done, and 
influences unmeasured and unimaginable for the weal of the 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 36 1 

race have burst forth upon succeeding ages. Two hours in 
the history of the race stand forth, forty centuries apart, in 
unapproachable majesty of grandeur and terror. The first 
was the hour of the first human transgression, when 

" Earth felt the wound ; and Nature, from her seat, 
Sighing through all her works, gave signs of woe 
That all was lost." 

The other was that greater hour when the Divine Man, with 
his pierced hands, lifted off the world's curse. 

There has been many another epoch which has condensed 
into a single hour greater results for the human race than can 
be reaped from the dead level of commonplace centuries. 

It is my profoundest belief that we live in such a time, 
and that here, on this continent, and here, in the closing 
decades of this century, we are at such a hinge in the destiny 
of the world. 

I think that the business men of our times have responsi- 
bilities which the eloquent speaker who preceded me could 
not overstate concerning the near to-morrow of America and 
of the human race. Bishop Kingsley, of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, during the progress of the Civil War, was 
one day asked : " How old are you ? " He promptly answered, 
" One hundred and forty-eight years." " Why, you don't look 
it," said his questioner. " Well," said he, " I was forty-eight 
years old when the war began, and I have lived a hundred 
years since." In our time events do accumulate. Forces 
aggregate. In our century, in respect to inventions in the line 
of mechanical industry, in respect to the diffusion of human 
knowledge, in respect to the accumulation of wealth, in respect 
to the development of political and moral ideas, more has been 
wrought than in many preceding centuries put together. And 
this favored continent and country of our own are the arena 
of a very large part of this movement 

Speaking, therefore, at once and directly on the theme I 
have announced, I first glance at the lowest stage of the 
argument, namely, the financial stage. Every young man 



362 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

wants work and wages. If he has no longer the mere gristle 
of the boy, but the toughening bone and sinew of the budding 
man, he wants to earn his own living. I have very little 
respect for the fellow who begins to have a little down on his 
upper lip who does not mean to pay his own way, even if his 
father is a millionaire. {Applause) And pay it also with 
board- — not at one dollar and twenty-five cents a week, and 
with clothing worth only thirty dollars in the course of a whole 
year. He may begin at the very bottom ; he may begin at 
the tanner's bench. Any honest employment is noble, and 
none soils the hands, if rightly undertaken. But he must 
go where he is able to begin and do well what he under- 
takes to do. 

I saw in the paper, the other aay, an account of an old 
farmer who brought a young son to a merchant in a large 
city, and proposed to put him in as a clerk. The merchant 
said : " The first year the boy will learn more from us than 
we will get good from him. So the first year we can give 
him no wages." "All right," said the farmer. "The second 
year we will give him twice as much, and the third year 
three times as much." The farmer made out, twice nothing 
is nothing, three times nothing is nothing. He did not like 
the terms, and so he took the boy back to his farm with 
him. He did not object to the start, but to the bad arithmetic 
afterwards. 

Any youth with the purpose ot genuine manhood in him, 
if ready to begin at the bottom and do at his best what he 
undertakes until he can do some better and nobler work, will 
succeed. He should not only get wages enough for a bare 
livelihood, but I hold it a moral purpose of first-rate quality 
that a youth should say, " Whatever wages I get, some part 
of it, if it is only ten dollars out of my first hundred, shall go 
into a savings bank, and some part of every salary I get shall 
be saved. I will live on less than the whole of it. I 
will get a competence, and wealth, if I can." The pro- 
pensity of acquisition in the human breast is honest and 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 363 

right. Poverty is not necessarily pious, nor wealth neces- 
sarily wicked. It is not the question how much a man gets, 
but in what spirit he gets it and what he does with it that 
determines the quality of the act. So I say to young men, 
get money. Get it honestly ; save something of what you 
get, and understand that in this great business of acquisition 
in the world you have your rightful place. 

But let me be very brief. The young man — as he looks 
about him and sees the immense fortunes which have been 
made ; when he is told that in this age there are probably in 
this country more than a hundred men worth twenty million 
dollars apiece, and a good many hundreds worth, at least, a 
million dollars apiece ; when he is told that Mr. Edison had 
in the Exhibition at Paris 340 inventions of electrical appa- 
ratus patented and illustrated by his own mechanism ; the 
young man may be prone to think that the fortunes have all 
been gathered, that the opportunities have been reaped, that 
the age of invention has reached its climax. But, let me tell 
you, young man, the thing has only begun. We sometimes 
talk about the resources of this country being developed, as 
though here, in America, we were about to reach a stopping 
place. Consider a few startling facts. It was, of course, to be 
expected that, with the opportunities before us, the accumula- 
tion of wealth should be phenomenal and should confound 
even the imagination. And it has been so. Take the coal and 
iron of Pennsylvania, the timber of Maine and Michigan, the 
copper of the Lake Superior region, the gold and silver of the 
Rocky Mountain region and the agricultural resources of 
the South and West, and the brawn to work them, and the 
brain to work them wisely ; and you cannot fail to have the 
wealthiest country on the face of the earth — a country so 
immensely opulent that the figures illustrative of its treasures 
already developed seem like figures found by some searcher 
v/ith Aladdin's lamp. 

The wealth of the United States, as ascertained from the 
assessors' lists, is sixty-three thousand millions of dollars, and 



364 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

it has been increasing at a very rapid ratio. It is now eight 
hundred and fourteen dollars per capita. Twenty years ago it 
was five hundred and fourteen dollars. The increase of popu- 
lation in twenty years has been fifty-nine per cent. The 
increase of wealth one hundred and fifty-one percent. When 
I was in Kansas, a few weeks ago, and was told that in that one 
State there were raised this year two hundred million bushels 
of corn and thirty-five million bushels of wheat, the figures 
staggered my imagination ; and, as I thought of the other 
States, I said to myself, can this immense production keep up, 
and is not the soil of America now taxed well-nigh to its ut- 
most ? Let me give you a few facts taken from a recent num- 
ber of the Century Magazine. " The land in actual use for 
growing Indian corn, wheat, hay, oats and cotton in the whole 
country is two hundred and seventy-two thousand five hun- 
dred square miles, which is a fraction less than the area of the 
single State of Texas. The entire wheat crop of the United 
States could be grown on wheat land of the best quality that 
would remain in the State of Texas after you put down 
on that State the whole German Empire ; " so you see the 
agricultural possibilities of our country have scarcely been 
touched. 

I read this morning, in that paper of which all Philadel- 
phians feel proud, the Public Ledger, a striking article which 
alleges that in this southern country of which I just now spoke 
the losses brought about by the war amounted to five thou- 
sand millions of dollars, and that the cotton exported from 
the South to Europe since the war has been sold for five thou- 
sand one hundred and sixty millions of dollars. That is to 
say, the cotton of the South which this country did not need, 
and which has been exported since the war, has more than 
paid for the whole destruction in the South by the war itself. 
It really looks, from the development of Georgia and Alabama, 
as though those States might rival Pennsylvania in mineral 
productions, and Kansas in agricultural productions, and Con- 
necticut and Massachusetts in manufactures. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 365 

The possibilities of business enterprise, and of the accu- 
mulation of wealth, and of the honorable employment of brain 
and muscle in this country will outlive your great grand- 
children, and then they will only have begun. 

In respect to inventions, you bright-eyed young men, do 
not suppose that Franklin and Morse and Edison have swept 
the field; they have only uttered the A B C. The young 
men before me are to utter the D E F ; the babes in their 
cradles are to come forth and say L M N, and the centuries 
that are to follow will utter the whole alphabet, and will work 
it up into the literature and poetry of the sciences beyond what 
the imagination now dreams. 

Wanted — An effectual smoke consumer ; wanted — an 
automatic fire annihilator that shall make conflagrations im- 
possible and put an end to all insurance companies. {Laughter) 
Wanted — a machine to stop cyclones and earthquakes ; 
wanted — I had almost said a railroad to the moon ! 

None of these things would have seemed more impossible 
to George Washington, after he had been floundering through 
Jersey mud for two days and nights to get from Philadelphia 
to New York, than a palace car flying from New York harbor 
to the Golden Gate in four days and ten hours ; or a news- 
carrier that could convey intelligence of what happens in 
London at four o'clock in the afternoon to the Golden Gate at 
sunrise the same morning ; thus outrunning the sun by nine 
hours. {Laughter) I tell you the chances before you are 
measureless and glorious ! The Peabodys and the Vander- 
bilts and the Edisons of to-morrow are here sitting in these 
seats before me to-night. Young man, wake up to the great- 
ness of your possibilities. 

Let me rise a step higher. Concentrate your energies 
not merely on industrial possibilities, on material gain and 
development, but on the part which the business intelligence 
and accumulated wealth of to-morrow must take in the settle- 
ment of the great sociological, political and moral problems 
of our times. The conflicts between capital and labor, the 



366 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

storms threatened by the wide-spread mutterings of imperfectly- 
rewarded and discontented mechanical toilers ; the promulga- 
tion of socialistic principles which savor of anarchy; these are 
hard facts which every patriot and philanthropist must con- 
sider. And I would have the young men of to-day think not 
simply of being good bookkeepers and good merchants' clerks, 
of getting to be junior partners and senior partners, and, per- 
haps, members of Legislatures or of Congress ; but I would 
have you take in the thought that in the development of 
material industries and in the employment of material resources 
and especially in the right use of great wealth, pressing politi- 
cal and moral questions must have their settlement. And you 
must have your place in them. I referred just now to immi- 
gration, not to cast any slur or stigma on our foreign popula- 
tion, but to express the most indignant protest against America 
being made the cesspool of the nations. {Applause.) Well, I 
say to men of any color or race, if they have the moral char- 
acter and the thrift to become Americans, let them come ; but 
let it be known that in the broadest sense of the word Amer- 
icans are to be the rulers of America. I have no objection to 
Americans who are here of choice and not by accident of 
birth ; but, let it be men who love our institutions and are 
here because they love them, and not to defy them and over- 
throw them. The greatness of the problem which I have just 
suggested, and which I have no time to discuss to-night, was 
thrust upon my attention by remarkable words of Abraham 
Lincoln towards the close of the war. The greatest of our 
Presidents, the savior of the nation, uttered these words : 
"We may all congratulate ourselves that this cruel war is 
nearing a close. It has cost a vast amount of treasure and 
blood. The best blood of the flower of the American youth 
has been freely offered on our country's altar that the nation 
might live. It has been, indeed, a trying hour for the Republic. 
But I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves 
me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. 
As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 367 

an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money 
power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by 
working upon the prejudices of the people, until ail wealth is 
aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I 
feel, at this moment, more anxiety for the safety of my coun- 
try than ever before, even in the midst of the war. God grant 
that my suspicions may prove groundless." Let this remind 
you, young men, that " peace hath its victories no less renowned 
than war," and that there is a time for patriotism when it is 
not standing before rifle or bayonet. A crisis came in this 
country at the close of the Revolutionary War more terrible 
than the crisis of Valley Forge or Yorktown, and Franklin 
and Jay wrought out, by the arts of diplomacy, victories as 
great as Washington gained on the field. 

A similar state of things existed after the close of the Civil 
War. All honor, forever, to Lincoln and Grant. {Applause.) 
But after the pen of the one and the sword of the other had 
secured liberty to the nation and union to the States, there 
was a period in which wise legislation and patriotic devotion 
and sagacious statesmanship were necessary to make the 
Union a real union. It became such at length, and is now a 
thorough unification, never to be broken. 

Let me say that there are times and methods in which, 
in civil life, the interests of a great nation and the welfare of 
coming ages are to be secured' by devotion to right business 
methods and true statesmanship. Now, what is the remedy 
asrainst Lincoln's fears and anxieties? That answer is in the 

o 

hands of the business men and the capitalists of to-day and to- 
morrow. Let the spirit which animated Peabody and Peter 
Cooper and which animates Andrew Carnegie and men of your 
own city whom I might mention become the general spirit in 
which capital meets labor, and in which patriotic devotion 
and philanthropy address themselves to lifting up the masses 
and giving them better homes, and more rights, and more 
brotherly consideration; then the welfare of the nation will be 
secured. 



368 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

In a recent article in the North American Review, Mr. 
Carnegie utters words of the profoundest wisdom. He says, 
in closing a very striking article : " There is no mode of dis- 
posing of surplus wealth, creditable to the thoughtful and 
earnest men into whose hands it flows, save by using it year 
by year for the general good. This day already dawns. The 
man who dies leaving behind him millions of available wealth 
which was his to administer during life will pass away unwept, 
unhonored and unsung, no matter to what use he leaves the 
dross which he cannot take with him. Of such as these, the 
public verdict will then be : ' The man who dies, thus rich, 
dies disgraced.' " The wealth of the millionaires and the busi- 
ness capacity of the money-makers must be the salvation of 
the wage-earners and the defense of the country against the 
perils of socialism and anarchy. 

I cannot take time to elaborate this train of thought ; the 
hour is too late. I pass it, and ask as I leave it : Who are 
they who shall secure those precious interests of the coming 
generations to which I have just referred ? You, young men ! 
Who shall see to it that bribery in elections shall cease and 
that votes shall be honestly cast and honestly counted ? You, 
young men! That judges shall be incorruptible? You, 
young men ! Who shall see to it that female virtue shall be 
everywhere respected ? You, young men ! That women 
shall be admitted to all colleges on equal terms with men, as 
they are to this ? You, young men ! That everywhere, newly- 
established homes shall bloom with the flowers of happiness 
and peace ? You, young men ! Who shall see to it that the 
infamous power of the liquor saloon, with all its attending 
evils, shall be overthrown ? You, young men ! That our 
judges shall no longer be corrupted as some of them are 
(though, thank God, many of them are not) ? You, young 
men ! Who shall see to this great work to-day and to-morrow ? 
You, young men. 

The hands which hold the helm to-day are growing thin 
and weak and will presently release their hold, and you must 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 369 

step to the front and take their places and take them more 
wisely, and do more thoroughly the duties of to-morrow than 
we have done those of yesterday. 

Let me give you two or three practical advices, in the 
fewest words : Lead an intellectual life ; don't give yourself 
simply to the prosecution of business enterprises which you 
take in hand and content yourself with doing that and doing 
it well. Remember that, besides a clerk, a bookkeeper or a 
telegraph operator, you are to be a citizen of the Republic and 
a power in the community ; in what rank of life, you cannot 
tell. Read a good daily newspaper. Not to find out the 
latest accidents or the latest crimes — not to follow up the great 
American game of football, or anything of the sort. Read it 
to keep abreast of the knowledge of the time ; the political 
knowledge, the sociological questions and moral issues of the 
time in which you live. Read, also, some good literary maga- 
zine — the best articles in it; the North American Review, 
Scribners, Harper s or some other. Read it and read it faith- 
fully. Learn something and be a growing man. 

And above all, I say to every young person before me, 
read and master some of the great books of the world — in 
history, in literature and poetry. If you have a wife, read to 
her and let her read to you, and if you haven't got one, get 
one before they all go West. (Laugliter and applause}) 

And then, listen to me ; I speak to you in all sobriety — 
don't spend your evenings out. If you have a home, spend 
them at home. {Applause}) Buy and read some of the great 
books ; you can get them for ten cents apiece, many of them. 
Master some of the great authors of the world. You may, 
within twenty years from now, be in Congress, or on the bench 
of the judge or in some immensely important political posi- 
tion and w r ill need the knowledge you thus get. Anyhow, 
you do want the intellectual quickening, culture and power 
you will thus get. 

In the course of my official duty, a few years ago, I held a 
conference of colored ministers. In making their appointments 



370 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

I asked the presiding elders time after time what was to be 
done with a certain brother. The fourth day I said to them, 
" It is time this good brother should have an appointment, 
and I want you to tell me where he is to go. Can't you 
give him a place?" At this they all shook their heads. 
Said I, " This is too bad. He's a good-looking man, a pleas- 
ant man socially, and one of the best-dressed men in this con- 
ference. Now, why can't you suggest a good appointment for 
him ? I mean the brother who sits every morning down at 
my left hand by the third window, and is very bald on the top 
of his head." " Oh," said one presiding elder, " I can tell 
you what ails him. He is bald on the inside of his head." 
{Laughter) 

Now, young man, if this is your condition, the world 
will find you out. Don't be bald on the inside of your 
head 1 Know something, and in order to know some- 
thing, lead an intellectual life. Read, read, read, the great 
books of the world, and thus become more and more 
a man. 

Then, the second of my closing advices is, cultivate, as 
priceless treasures to be perpetually sought for, the simple 
elements of a high and noble moral character. You know 
what they are : Truth, force, love ; truth, force, self-sacrifice 
and devotion to others' good — these are the elements of a 
noble character. 

If I had the power to give to every one of these young 
men and women here before me to-night, without any less to 
myself, a good and valid draft for one hundred thousand dol- 
lars, I would by no means do it. It would be the ruin of the 
worldly prospects of many of you, and very likely of the 
eternal prospects of many. But if I could put into your 
hands or into your minds and hearts and souls the purpose 
and skill to acquire one hundred thousand dollars within the 
next twenty years and to do it honestly and on righteous 
principles, I would be glad to do it, for in its acquisition you 
mieht' become more and more a man. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 37 1 

Truth, force, self-sacrifice ! Be these your watchwords ! 
Closest veracity, downright integrity, which shall scorn any 
meanness or any dishonor. Adherence to the track of honest 
purpose and perfect rectitude. 

Young man, wake up! Be something! Power, pluck, 
purpose, heroic endeavor are what tell in this world. Endeavor 
within the next six months to get a place and hold it, and then 
get a better one. Earn some wages ! Be prompt. Adam 
Clarke, the great commentator, saw in a newspaper, one 
morning, an advertisement of a very rare edition of a Greek 
Testament, and went to get it. As soon as the store was 
opened he was at the door. (He was at the door before it was 
open.) A little after eleven o'clock a very famous literary man 
called at the store, and, summoning the bookseller out to his 
carriage said, " I have come to get that Testament you adver- 
tised this morning." " Oh," said the bookseller, " It was gone 
hours ago." " Why, I came as soon as I got my breakfast." 
" Well," said the bookseller, "Adam Clarke came before break- 
fast." Young man, go before breakfast, if you need to, but 
get there somehow ! {Applause}) 

My third advice is on the line of what the Principal of 
your College has from year to year said to you. I desire to 
say that, of all the features of these different occasions, I think 
one of the best is that in every one of his anniversary addresses 
your worthy Principal has reminded you of your duty to the 
great Father, and that you are to stand in that last and 
irrevocable assize. One year he commended you to " do justly, 
love mercy and walk humbly before God ; " another, to be 
sure you are ready to submit your life record to the " Master 
Accountant;" and this year he reminded you that "the great 
end of life is to glorify God." 

Let me say to you, as I close, if you want to win success 
in life, link yourself to the plans of the eternal God and to the 
work of the Church of Jesus Christ, and to the purpose of a 
bright, glorious and eternal destiny in that country where the 
streets are paved with gold as the meanest thing there, and 



372 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

where each gate is a separate pearl. In a purely philosophical 
spirit, not merely as a minister of the Gospel, and having in 
mind your success in life and your personal nobleness and 
your real welfare, I say to you, as the wisest of men said 
three thousand years ago: "Fear God and keep His com- 
mandments, for this is the whole duty of man." 

To the young ladies, who were so beautifully addressed 
by my old friend who preceded me, let me say that in these 
brief remarks I have not forgotten them — not for a moment. 
I have been speaking generically and not specifically. It is 
of our common nature and not of the character and duty of 
man as man that I have been speaking. 

If I were called upon to say what is the difference between 
manliness and womanliness I would say it is about this : 
Womanliness is the soprano and alto of manliness — the top- 
most note in character. For moral strength, fortitude in the 
time of trouble, clear intuition and noble aspiration, nobleness 
in moral and religious purpose, we yield to you the palm. 

On all this school and on all its friends I invoke the 
blessings of Almighty God, and pray that when the Great 
Accountant shall come to look upon our records and our 
labors, He may say to each of us, " Well done, good and 
faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 
(Warm applause^) 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peine School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Thursday Evening, December 18, 1890, 



AT 7.3O O'CLOCK, 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH SCHOOL YEAR. 



-^ PROGRAMME *£- 

Tlmrs day K Veiling, Dec. 18, 1890 

MUSIG BY THE 

Germanic Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.3O (/CLOCK, 

CHAS. 1VT. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 



OVERTURE—" Zampa," Herg-ld 

"Reve Apres le Bal," Boustet 

SELECTION— "Nadjy," Chassaigne. 

MARCH— "Signal," Clauder 

FACULTY, GRADUATES, AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. A. RITTENHOUSE, D. D., 

LATE PROFESSOR DICKINSON COLLEGE, CARLISLE, PA. 

"Flozver Song,'" Lance 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
Mr. JAMES DOBSON. 

"On the Plantation" Peurner 

Annual Address, President FRANCIS L. PATTON, D. D., LL. D., 

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY. 

OVERTURE— "The Burlesquers," . Recker 

Presentation of Diplomas, Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A. 

SELECTION— " 77?^ Gondoliers," Sullivan 

Address to Graduates, Col. GEO. W. BAIN, 

LEXINGTON, KY. 

"Scotch Melodies" Wiegand 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 
GALOP— "Over Field and Meadow" .Strauss 



List of QpaduatQs, ©lass of '90. 



Business ©oupse. 

Achey, Allen Arthur Pennsylvania. 

Adams, Benton Evans Pennsylvania. 

Bare, William Andrew Pennsylvania. 

Bassett, Charles Rulon . . New Jersey. 

Beauchamp, Marguerite Elizabeth Pennsylvania. 

Blattenberger, Paul Pennsylvania. 

Borton, Walter Gudell, Jr New Jersey. 

Brendlinger, Anna Lucy Pennsylvania. 

Brooke, John Jacob, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Brown, William Henry Pennsylvania. 

Browning, Clarence Budd New Jersey. 

Cassidy, Nellie Philamena Pennsylvania. 

Chew, Lizzie Peabody New Jersey. 

Clark, Neal New Jersey. 

Clauss, William Daniel Pennsylvania. 

Covert, William Thomas Pennsylvania. 

Crossant, Clarence Kennedy Pennsylvania. 

Delp, Edmund Eldridge Pennsylvania. 

Detwiler, Elwood Pennsylvania. 

Dugan, Robert Johnstone Pennsylvania. 

Dutton, Elwood Herbert Pennsylvania. 

Eyre, Everett Charles Pennsylvania. 

Fairlamb, William Garrett ..... Pennsylvania. 

Farnsworth, Harry Eugene Pennsylvania. 

Gerber, Mary Ella Pennsylvania. 

Godfrey, Lewis M New Jersey. 

Graham, John W., Jr Delaware. 

Grauch, Susannah Marguerite Pennsylvania. 

Greiner, William . . Pennsylvania. 

Haines, Edgar Sellers Pennsylvania. 

Harley, Jonas Allen Pennsylvania. 

Harper, Robert Francis Pennsylvania. 

Harvey, Charles Way , Pennsylvania. 

Harvey, Evans Pennsylvania. 

Healey, Annie Theresa Pennsylvania. 

Heebner, Horace Anders Pennsylvania. 

Hemphill, Herbert Waide New Jersey. 



376 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Heneks, Milton Fayette Pennsylvania. 

Hoerig, Bertha Ernestina Pennsylvania. 

Huntsman, William Conrad Pennsylvania. 

Hyland, John Allen Maryland. 

Isenberg, Frank McCahan Pennsylvania. 

Jantzen, Addie M. E Pennsylvania. 

Johnson, William Weber Pennsylvania. 

Jones, Joseph Collins* New Jersey. 

Jones, Julia Scott Delaware. 

Keilholtz, Carrie Captolia Maryland. 

Kindy, Joseph Henry Pennsylvania. 

King, Margretha Pennsylvania. 

Kirk, Morris Paul Pennsylvania. 

Knodel, Frederick Matthew Pennsylvania. 

Krauss, Warren Heebner Pennsylvania. 

Langmead, John Pennsylvania. 

Leidy, Samuel Nase Pennsylvania. 

Lowenberg, William Pennsylvania. 

Lukens, Joseph James .Pennsylvania. 

McClure, John Brisbin Rutherford Pennsylvania. 

McFadden, William Henry Pennsylvania. 

McGinty, James Joseph Pennsylvania. 

McGlaughlin, Charles Vincent Pennsylvania. 

McLaughlin, John Patrick Pennsylvania. 

March, Walter Stockley Pennsylvania. 

Mathias, Lewis Benjamin Pennsylvania. 

Maurer, Lawrence Victor Pennsylvania. 

Mayer, John Charles Pennsylvania. 

Miller, Flora May Pennsylvania. 

Moore, Wilson Cressman Pennsylvania. 

Morss, Franklin Crawford Pennsylvania. 

Nagel, Carrie Eva ' Pennsylvania. 

Porter, Stella Butler Pennsylvania. 

Powell, William Sarchet Pennsylvania. 

Reaney, James Wilson Pennsylvania. 

Reynolds, Howard Clayton Pennsylvania. 

Richards, Eleanor Wood Pennsylvania. 

Richardson, Joshua Pennsylvania. 

Roberts, Forrest Haswell Pennsylvania. 

Rosenberry, Emanuel G Pennsylvania. 

Rothenberger, James W Pennsylvania. 

Rothenberger, Levi Schultz Pennsylvania. 

Rumpf, Frederick Joseph, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Sattler, Annie Fertig Pennsylvania. 

Schlichter, William S Pennsylvania. 

Schoener, Charles William Pennsylvania. 

Schuman, Edward Frank New Jersey. 

* Deceased. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. Z77 

Schwab, Frank Michael < Pennsylvania. 

Sheppard, Harry S Pennsylvania. 

Shoemaker, Comlv . , Pennsylvania. 

Stafford, Alvin Everett . . New Jersey. 

Standring, John Pennsylvania. 

Steen, Sallie Hanna . , . . . Pennsylvania. 

Stewart, Jennie Robinson . . „ Pennsylvania. 

Stott, Benjamin •.. Pennsylvania. 

Stotz, Clemence Lewis . . . „ Pennsylvania. 

Stroebele, Philip William Pennsylvania. 

Swartley, Harvey S Pennsylvania. 

Swartley, Marshall Thomas Pennsylvania. 

Sweeney, Edward Horace Pennsylvania. 

Sweeney, George Leene Pennsylvania. 

Swing, Walter John New Jersey. 

Townsend, Bertram Lamb Pennsylvania. 

Turner, Katie Maria Pennsylvania. 

Underkuffler, Franklin M Pennsylvania. 

Waffer, Margaret Elizabeth ... Pennsylvania. 

Wagner, Flora Kate Pennsylvania. 

Weiss, Layton Edkin Pennsylvania. 

Wells, George Lindsey Pennsylvania. 

Welsh, Tillie Ella Pennsylvania. 

Westcott, William Buchner Pennsylvania. 

Wilkinson, Robert Cooper New Jersey. 

Wood, George Washington Pennsylvania. 

Worst, Ida Luetta Pennsylvania. 

Wynn, James Maurice . . . Pennsylvania. 

Stjopthiand ©ourse. 

Hunter, Ann Jane Pennsylvania. 

McLaughlin, Anna Veronica New Jersey. 

Meade, Homer Wayne Pennsylvania. 

Morris, Henrietta Pennsylvania. 

O'Neill, Sadie Fabiana Pennsylvania. 

Business Course, One Hundred and Twelve. 

Shorthand Course, Five. 

Total, One Hundred and Seventeen. 



OF 

y\ciroq F^ittoqh|oiiSQ. 



Doctor of divinity, educator, presiding elder North Philadelphia, 
superintendent of Methodist Episcopal Hospital, Broad and Wolfe. 

Doctor Rittenhouse was born at South Easton, Pa., March 14, 1837, 
and was educated in the common schools of Northampton county. In 
1853 he was licensed to exhort, and in 1854 to preach, but spent most of 
his time until April, 1856, in the saw-mill. He then went to the New 
York Conference Seminary at Charlotteville, Schoharie county, New 
York, where he remained as teacher-student until the fall of 1858, when 
he matriculated at Wesleyan University. He continued at the seminary 
and began work at college, where he graduated in the upper third of the 
class of 1 861. He was ordained local deacon by Bishop Ames, in 
Brooklyn, on the Sabbath that Fort Sumpter was fired upon. 

He was sent to the Pottstown circuit ; thence to Arch Street, Phila- 
delphia ; thence to Centennial (now Fortieth Street) ; thence to Heston- 
ville (now Fletcher) ; thence to St. Paul's, Wilmington, Delaware ; thence 
to Smyrna, Delaware ; again to Fletcher, Philadelphia ; then to Taber- 
nacle, Philadelphia. 

In 1876 he was appointed presiding elder of the North Philadel- 
phia district, comprehending at that time all of Philadelphia city and 
county north of Vine street and east of the Schuylkill. In 1878 he 
preached the annual sermon before the Society of Religious Inquiry of 
Dickinson College, and was made doctor of divinity. He left the elder- 
ship at the end of three years to become pastor of Grace, Philadelphia, 
and at the end of his term there he was sent to Ebenezer, Philadelphia. 

Doctor Rittenhouse was for seven years (1 883-1890) a professor in 
Dickinson College, and is now superintendent of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Hospital, South Broad street, corner of Wolfe. 

As a worker — utterly unassuming and devoted — there are few who 
rank with Doctor Rittenhouse. He has the eternities before him — little 
as he makes of himself — and is beloved as a zealous disciple of the 
Master. N. H. 



Ppagop 
l^oV, A. Fritter} tjouso, JO. ID. 



Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom and the source 
of all strength, we thank Thee, through Jesus Christ, that 
Thou hast brought us to the close of another year. We thank 
Thee for our daily life; for its duties to exercise our hands; 
for its trials and temptations to make strong our hearts ; for 
the friends who are dear to us on earth, and for the loved ones 
who are not, because they are with Thee. 

O Eternal God, who hast made all things for man and 
man for Thy glory, vouchsafe Thy blessing upon these 
graduating exercises, that they may tend to the glory of Thy 
name. Thou that makest the tongues of infants eloquent, 
instruct, we pray Thee, the tongues of these Thy servants who 
are to address this assembly; pour upon their lips the grace 
of Thy benediction. 

Bless the Faculty and students of this College of Business. 
Strengthen the hanols and encourage the heart of Thy servant, 
the Principal. Give Thy blessing to the daily work of this 
College, that it may be done in faith, and heartily as unto the 
Lord, and not unto men. May the good work here accom- 
plished in the years that are past continue to prosper yet more 
and more in the years that are to come. 

We thank Thee for our colleges and schools of every 
grade, and for the intellectual endowments which render 
education both a possibility and a necessity. We thank Thee 
for the power of youth, for its joyous enthusiasm, for its 



38O ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

abundant hope, and for its eye that looks ever upward and 
ever on. We thank Thee for the spiritual talents wherewith 
Thou hast endowed man ; for our mind, and conscience, and 
heart; and for all the manifold faculties and capabilities 
whereby we put material things under our feet, and turn all 
the forces of nature to instruments for our bodily well-being 
and our mental and moral growth. 

Teach us, O Lord, to use this world wisely, and faithfully, 
and well. May we ever remember that we are trading on 
borrowed capital, and that in due time the King of Heaven, 
who has loaned us the money, will return and summon us into 
His presence that He may know what we have gained by 
trading. Write upon our hearts, we beseech Thee, the great 
law alike of the commercial and of the moral world, that to 
him that hath shall be given; but from him that hath not, even 
that which he hath shall be taken away. 

Bless especially the graduating class who to-night are 
standing upon the threshold of business life and will soon go 
forth to encounter its responsibilities and perils. May they 
remember that buying and selling and getting gain is not the 
chief end of man, but that they must also be about their 
Father's business. May none of them make shipwreck of 
faith ; may none of them fail of the grace of God. May they 
seek the merchandise of wisdom, which is better than the 
merchandise of silver or fine gold ; and may they seek the 
goodly pearls of earth in such a truly noble and lofty spirit 
that they will surely find the pearl of great price. 

O Thou Mighty Ruler of nations, do Thou bless the 
President of the United States, the members of Congress, the 
Judges of our Courts, the Governor of this Commonwealth, 
and all who are in authority. Do Thou replenish them with 
the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that they always may incline to 
Thy holy will and walk in all Thy ways blameless. And now 
unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God 
our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power both 
now and forever. Amen. 



cJarqos Dobsor), 



•Manufacturer, merchant, eminent citizen. 

Born March 6, 1837, the subject of this sketch is a member of the 
firm of John & James Dobson, of this city, who are very largely 
engaged in the manufacture of various textile fabrics, including carpets, 
blankets, cloths, silk plushes, velvets and other fabrics, whose annual 
production when in full operation amounts to over $7,000,000 (seven mil- 
lion dollars), employing over four thousand work people in their various 
industries. 

Mr. Dobson is a self-made man, having, together with his brother, 
from small beginnings, with steady application to business and untiring 
industry, brought their present large manufacturing establishment to be 
one of the leading industries of the country. There is no concern in 
this country, or, we might say, in the world, owned by individuals, that 
can approach it in the variety of their products or the magnitude of 
their business. 

Mr. Dobson never held any public office, but always took a great 
interest in national affairs, he being an Englishman by birth and a 
staunch Republican in politics. He was a presidential elector from the 
Fourth Congressional District of this city, for James A. Garfield, in 1880, 
and was subsequently nominated for Elector-at-Large during the cam- 
paign of 1884, when James G. Blaine was a candidate for President, and 
Mr. Dobson was made president of the Electoral College of Penn- 
sylvania. 

He is a modest, self-reliant man, and his record as a manufacturer, 
a merchant and a thoroughly honorable business man may well excite 
the envy of those who never exercised his industry, enterprise and skill. 
To such men is largely due the building up of the great manufacturing 
industries of the city of Philadelphia. N. H. 



Iqtroduetopy F^onqarl^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

danqos JDobsoq. 



Ladies and Gentlemen and the Graduating Class : — 
I am informed that the president is expected to make a few 
introductory remarks. When Dr. Peirce called upon me about 
two weeks ago to ask me to preside, I hesitated. He said, 
" There is no need to hesitate; I have the greatest college of 
its kind in the United States." And I can truthfully say that 
he has an institution any one might feel proud to have founded. 

At his request I visited Peirce College. He took me 
from one department to another, mathematics here, shorthand 
writing there and then the banking and business department. 
The latter is one of the greatest institutions in the United 
States, and I was going to say to some of my friends to-night, 
professors of colleges and others who are usually put on the 
platform to make appeals to the churches for contributions for 
the colleges all over the country, if they could only go into 
Peirce's banking institution, they could get millions of money, 
only it will not pass current outside of the College. It is 
merely to instruct the young ladies and gentlemen in the use 
of money. 

To-night you go forth into the world, many of you at 
once to business pursuits of various kinds. The young 
women will jostle with the young men for the positions which 
they are competent to fill, and if they fill the positions as well 
as the men, the same pay should be awarded to the women as 
to the men. {Applause) As you go forth, my young friends, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 383 

take with you a conscience and in all your work of life let it 
be your guide. Never do a thing that your conscience tells 
you not to do. And when you do anything, put your whole 
might into it ; do it with a will ; put your individual self 
into it, and if you put your individual self into the work 
before you, you are sure to make a mark in the world. 
It makes no difference what vocation you take, whether you 
go into banking, manufacturing or you become a merchant or 
a clerk, you must put your whole soul into the work you under- 
take, and never put off until to-morrow what should be done 
to-day. Procrastination is the thief of time. Perform your 
duties promptly, and you not only will satisfy yourself, but 
you will find that your labor will be appreciated and a credit 
to the College from which you are now graduating. Fix upon 
the duties which you have to perform, so that the wayfarer may 
see who is performing them and how you are discharging 
them. If you carry out these principles and let your con- 
science be your guide, success is assured. But one thing I 
desire to impress upon you above all others : Be truthful. 
Never, if you can help it, and you always can, tell that which 
is not true. If you do that, confidence will be placed in you, 
and that is one of the surest foundations for a business life. 
Without confidence the whole fabric of commerce is destroyed, 
and without veracity there can be no confidence. 

Now, there are three or four gentlemen here who have 
got their coat-tails crammed full of manuscript and the time 
left will be very short if I continue much longer, and I am 
afraid they may have to skip pages of their manuscript. So I 
will only repeat what I have said to you about your conscience, 
and hope it will be your guide through life. {Applause') 



]3iocjra.p]^i©a.l cBJ^©t©h) 
Frai^©is Laqdoy l°a.ttori 



Educator, doctor of divinity, doctor of laws, editor, president of 
Princeton College. 

Doctor Patton was born in Warwick, Bermuda, January 22, 1843. 
He was educated at University and Knox Colleges, Toronto, Canada, 
and at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he was graduated in 1865. 

He was pastor of Presbyterian churches in New York city, Nyack, 
and Brooklyn, New York, and Chicago, Illinois, between 1861 and 1881. 
From 1 87 1 till 1881 he was professor of didactic and polemic theology in 
the Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Chicago, and in the latter 
year he accepted the chair of the relation of philosophy and science to 
the Christian religion in Princeton Theological Seminary. He was pro- 
fessor of ethics in Princeton College. On February 9, 1888, he was 
unanimously chosen president of the latter institution. 

He was editor of the Chicago Interior 'in 1873-76, and moderator 
of the general assembly of his Church in 1878. 

Doctor Patton is remarkable as a metaphysician. In the pulpit he 
is clear and logical. 

He received the degree of D. D. from Hanover College, Indiana, 
in 1862, also from Yale University in 1888 ; and that of LL. D. from 
Wooster University, Ohio, 'in 1878, also from Harvard University in 
1889. He is the author of " Inspiration of the Scriptures" (Philadelphia, 
1859) and " Summary of Christian Doctrine" (1874). 



l^oV, Fpaqois L. IPattoq, ID. 3D., LL, D„ 

President of Princeton University. 



Ladies and Gentlemen :— My presence here to-night is 
itself a commentary upon the efficient management of this 
institution. When Doctor Peirce asked me to come I felt 
strongly disposed to decline. Being a busy man, and, more- 
over, shrinking as a modest man from the responsibility of 
meeting the vast assembly which I knew was in the habit of 
coming here on this occasion, I pressed as many excuses as I 
conscientiously could ; but it was very soon apparent to me 
that Doctor Peirce is the principal of a business college, and 
that he means business every time. He put the matter before 
me in such a light that I found my excuses were of no further 
avail. So here I am ; and in what I say to-night I shall deal, 
in the first place, with the question of education in general, 
though I trust before I get through that my words will have 
some special reference to the matter of business education. 

Some of us feel unable to speak unless we get far enough 
back for a starting point, or deep enough down for a founda- 
tion, and you must pardon me if the force of old habit is strong 
with me to-night. 

We have a phrase very much in vogue at the present time 
— everybody uses it — according to which we speak of the 
historical spirit. We mean by that to indicate the belief that 
things have grown. We have a way of discussing every 
question in the historical spirit. We treat of the genesis of 



386 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the organ from the jewsharp, and of the Atlantic steamship 
from the birch-bark canoe. There is a great deal of truth in 
all this: we have grown. The complexities of our social 
existence increase the business of life and increase the diffi- 
culties of doing the business of life. The matter of keeping a 
family account book is one thing ; the matter of keeping a set 
of books for a railroad company is a very different thing. 
This growth is what we call civilization. It has taken us four 
or five thousand years at least to reach the position we now 
occupy. I say this without any abatement of belief in the 
doctrine of the Fall. We may believe that Adam was perfect, 
and still believe that he did not know much about navigation. 
We may believe that Eve was perfect, and that she nevertheless 
could not have operated the sewing machine. {Laughter) 
We must distinguish. Now civilization is a word that repre- 
sents society to-day, and the question with us is, in education, 
how can we take a given individual and, in the space of a few 
years, enable him to realize, approximately, the results of four 
or five thousand years of civilization ? That is our problem. 
That is done in several ways. In the first place, something is 
due to heredity. We may disparage heredity, but it counts 
for something. It will enable a man to do some things that 
other men cannot do in spite of education. A boy brought 
up in a well-educated and well-cultivated family, for instance, 
does not need, he says, to learn grammar. He speaks 
accurately by instinct, as it were. 

There is something in environment. A man learns a 
great deal as the result of attrition, of rubbing against his 
neighbor, and you will sometimes see these broad-minded, 
unconventional men who lack what many have by virtue of 
birth, but who exhibit a great deal of strong common sense 
that has come to them as the result of keeping their eyes open 
and being in touch with the world. Now, the third way of 
bringing a man up to the level of the world's civilization is by 
education. Birth is not part of man's education. Environ- 
ment is not a part of man's education. Education is the word 



PEIRCE SCHOO^ OF BUSINESS. 387 

that we use to express the adaptation of means to ends in 
order that this result may be brought about. 

Now, it is worth our while to consider one or two things 
about education. In the first place, what is the end of education ? 
What is it for ? And before I speak about that, just let me say 
that while civilization at large is inspirational and has grown in 
accordance with the spirit of the age, so that we do not know 
how to account for it or where to look for the next advance, 
education is always the adaptation of means to ends. Educa- 
tion can, therefore, never anticipate civilization ; it always 
comes after it. You cannot teach a thing until you have it ; 
you cannot put it into your curriculum until you have it. 
Until you have geology you cannot have a geological profes- 
sor. Until somebody like Pitman has invented shorthand, 
you cannot teach stenography or have a school of it. Until 
somebody has hit upon the typewriter you cannot have a school 
of typewriting ; but when typewriting becomes a recognized art 
you introduce it into your curriculum. Education follows the 
movements of civilization. Now, I say the end of education 
is two-fold : in the first place, it is liberal ; in the second place, 
it is utilitarian. There is an education that consists simply in 
putting a man in possession of, what the world is, of what the 
world has to give him. Some people say that education 
means leading a man out, developing what is in a man. This 
leads to false methods in education ; for there is precious little 
in a man ; and hence it is great folly to set boys at work 
writing compositions before they have any ideas. And then 
there are other people who seem to suppose that the object of 
education is to give information ; and their method is simply 
a process of pumping facts into the mind. But this, likewise, 
is not education. Education means bringing the self into 
.relationship with the not-self; the subjective into relation with 
the objective, and adjusting them to one another. You may 
put it in any form you like, but that is the idea at bottom. 
Education may be general or it may be special. It may have 
for its object the cultivation of the faculties or it may aim at 



388 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

specialized and original research. We have thus two kinds 
of education. Now, there is that liberal kind which educates 
a man in Greek and Latin and mathematics in order that he may 
get the best use of his powers. We call it a liberal education. 
It is not a question as to what utilitarian purpose he can put 
it to, and its value does not depend upon how much money- 
he can make out of it. And then there is a special education. 
There is the education which, when a man's powers have been 
developed sufficiently, confines itself to a specific line of inquiry. 
One wants to be a lawyer, or wants to prosecute some inquiry 
with respect to tuberculosis, say, like Dr. Koch. He wishes 
to devote himself to the service of humanity — a lawyer does. 
[Laughter?) That is the idea of a profession, that it is philan- 
thropic and not utilitarian ; not self-regarding, but altruistic. 
Now, that is one side. On the other hand, there is what we 
call the utilitarian type of education. It is practical. Men 
say we want an education that will teach our sons how to 
make a living. They say we do not want our sons to gradu- 
ate from college, so that they can read Latin and Greek and 
understand the higher mathematics but are unable to earn 
their own support. And therefore they want an education 
that is practical, that will enable a man to secure a livelihood 
with the least possible outlay of physical toil. And they are 
right. And therefore, either because education is liberal or 
because it is utilitarian, either because it is to be special or 
because it is to be general, we have developed great facilities 
for education. 

You may call these facilities what you will. You may 
have public sentiment divided as to what is a college and 
as to what is a university, but really there are three grades 
of education : there is the primary school or primary education, 
where a child learns to read and to write and to cipher ; and 
there is the secondary education, which corresponds to the 
curriculum of the grammar school ; and then there is the 
university education, the liberal education, so-called, the edu- 
cation of the college and the university, where a man goes to 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 389 

prosecute certain researches or to develop his faculties 
generally along the line of disciplinary inquiry. 

And now we come to this question : Shall the business 
man take advantage of the university? Shall the business 
man have a college education ? That is one question. And 
in the second place : Shall the college man have a business 
education ? 

Now, within the limits that are allowed me to-night, I 
wish to say a single word in answer to both of these questions. 
In the first place I would like to say what I believe with refer- 
ence to the business man having a college education; and, 
Mr. Carnegie to the contrary notwithstanding, I wish here and 
now — I do not suppose I shall ever have a better opportunity 
to say this — to say I believe that every business man who 
can get it ought to have a college education. Now, I have 
known business men to make a great deal of fun of college 
men who do not understand business; but I have never known 
a good business man who had not enjoyed a college education 
that did not wish he had. Every man who can should get a 
college education. He is just that much more of a man. 
You know that Charles V. said : " The man that learns another 
language doubles himself." A man who knows philosophy 
or science has simply widened his horizon that much. And, 
therefore, if he makes money, he has just that much more 
enjoyment out of his money. The most comfortless position 
in this world is the possession of money that you do not know 
what to do with. Now, the benefit of a college education is, 
in the first place, that it enables a man to get the most out of 
the money he has made ; and then, it enables him to get a 
great deal of comfort, even if he does not make money. They 
tell me that the majority of men who go into business fail ; 
just what the proportion is I do not know ; that is not material. 

I am speaking on general principles. A priori, if a man 
be a thoroughly good business man and have good, correct 
business habits, the very fact that his intellect has been acumi- 
nated, the fact that he knows something about logical processes, 



390 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

and that he has trained his mind to the power of prolonged 
attention to a given thing, will make him all the more successful 
when his attention is riveted to the matter of his business and 
to making money in it ; so that, other things being equal, it is 
the trained man, it is the college man, who is going to win in 
the long run. Now, if a man can get a college education let 
him get it ; by all means let him get it. 

Well, but how about the college man ? I would like to 
ask this other question, whether the college man ought not to 
have a business education. Now, if a business man ought 
to have a college education, I am disposed to say — and I do 
not think I say it simply out of compliment to the occasion — 
I think I can say that if a business man is all the better for a 
college education, a fortiori is the the college man the better 
for a business education. A man goes out of college and 
does not know how to calculate an interest account, and it is 
true that there are some men who are well trained in Latin, 
Greek and mathematics who have not the faintest idea about 
business ; they do not know how to make out a bill ; they do 
not know how to draw a check, and I think sometimes that 
perhaps the best graduate course for some men after they leave 
Princeton and Harvard and Yale would be to come down here 
and take a term or two with Principal Peirce. (Applause?) It 
would do a great deal of good. Indeed it has occurred to me 
this afternoon — though I hesitate to make this remark, for I 
am afraid that Principal Peirce will misunderstand my motive — 
I have wondered this afternoon why the same logic that allows 
us to teach analytical geometry and mechanical drawing as a 
part of a college education would not justify us in teaching 
bookkeeping or something of that sort. 

Why should a man not be equipped by his Alma Mater 
with reference to the fundamental grammar of business as 
well as he is qualified for the fundamental work of surveying ? 
Because, I take it — and I speak as a layman ; I do not know 
much about these things — that just as logic is the basis of all 
argument, that just as algebra and geometry are the basis of 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 39 1 

all mathematics, so the form, the grammar, the logic of busi- 
ness life is bookkeeping. Of course bookkeeping varies 
with the business you are in. The railroad bookkeeping, the 
bookkeeping in this establishment and that establishment will 
vary ; but I ask if bookkeeping does not resolve itself into 
just this : putting down the facts of to-day under the category 
of time in a book that we call the day-book and taking those 
facts a little while after and transferring them to the ledger 
under the category of kind. So that here I have all the likes 
and dislikes under the category of to-day, and over here I 
have all the different kinds gathered under separate heads. I 
may be wrong about that ; but if that is so I do not see why 
the college man should not be required to know just that 
much ; and I can tell you a great many college men do not 
know that much. Still, I am speaking now of men who 
belong to neither of these categories. I am speaking more 
especially to those men who are the graduates of this busi- 
ness college, and, as my closing words, I would like to present 
a single thought. I would like to say to the men and women 
who will graduate to-night from this College that they should 
know one thing, but that they should also have a generous 
knowledge of other things. Now, I have read the speeches 
that were delivered here on previous occasions, and I read — I 
do not know but it was President Reed last year who said, 
and I hope he will pardon me for making this allusion to it— 
that a man should have but one business and stick to it. He 
gave as an illustration a man whose business was coffee and 
who would not have anything to do with tea. Now, I would 
say, have an hospitable regard for other things, not enough to 
make any of them your business, but know at least a little 
about other things. I have met very good business men who 
knew their business, but whose minds had not been trained to 
take in large views, and therefore, although they know busi- 
ness, they do not know any business outside of their own. 

I have known very good business men who do not know 
the distinction between a stock and a bond. They would 



39 2 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

know if they held some stock. They do not know what is 
the difference between interest on a bond and a dividend on 
the stock. You are a bookkeeper and you know all about 
bookkeeping, but by and by you are going to build a house 
for yourself, and you say, " I am a business man and I know 
all about it." But you will find out you do not know ail- 
about it. You will find out that there are several things you 
ought to know ; you will want to know, for instance, what are 
the essentials of a contract; what are the peculiarities of a 
mechanics' lien ; you will want to know, by and by, what is 
the difference between spruce and hemlock and what the 
difference in cost is. Now, these are business things, too, and 
you will not learn them simply by being a bookkeeper. And 
therefore, I say, be broad, be generous in your views of busi- 
ness life, and then remember that, although the study of busi- 
ness is utilitarian and for practical purposes, and for what you 
can make out of it — remember also that there is a liberalizing 
element in it. I do not think, by any means, that the man who 
has not a college education is necessarily lacking in liberal 
culture. A man can be all the time broadening his horizon. 
If he remembers what Carlyle says, that the real university of 
the present day is a library of books, there is no reason why 
a man, even though he has lacked the opportunity of going to 
college, should not be a liberally educated man in the best 
sense of that word. 

So I commend this idea of a broad, general culture. It 
is within the reach of everybody here to-night ; and all the 
members of this graduating class, if for no other purpose than 
as a means of increasing their business aptitude, should seek 
to acquire this culture. But, I would not be true to my pro- 
fession as a teacher of ethics, I would not be true to my call- 
ing as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, if I did not 
emphasize the excellent words that were spoken by the gentle- 
man who preceded me, with reference to the importance, in all 
business transactions, of keeping scrupulously in mind the 
obligations of a strict morality. I could enforce these lessons 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 393 

in the terms of ethics, but I prefer to enforce them in the 
terms nearer akin to your own calling, and I close what I have 
to say to-night by asking you to remember the great profit- 
and-loss account that is written in the gospels, and that comes 
to us under the sanction of our Saviour Himself, " What shall 
it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own 
soul ? " {Applause)) 



/^ddposs of lPpiqeipa.1 IPoipoo 

TO THE 

(otr&duLa.tiqg ©lass. 



The Class of 1890 has become a part of the history of 
Peirce College. During the past year it has been thought 
wise to raise the standard of graduation, and you are to be 
congratulated that you have passed a severer examination than 
any of your predecessors. May you ever be as industrious 
and honorable as you have been during your college course, 
and I shall have high hopes that you -will successfully pass the 
final examination by the Great Searcher of Hearts and receive 
that diploma which will give you admission to the realms of 
eternal bliss forever. 

Not desiring to encroach upon the time of our good friend, 
Colonel Bain, who will speak to you at length, I bid you, on 
behalf of the Faculty and myself, good-bye. 



/4r. Dobsoq, 

INTRODUCING 

©olor^ol Soopgo W. I3aiq ; 



I have the extreme pleasure of introducing to you one of 
the most eloquent orators of the United States ; a gentleman 
from the blue-grass region of Kentucky, a place where they 
have some of the finest horses in the world, and I have no 
doubt that he can tell you more about horses than I can ; but 
he is here for another purpose. 

I have the pleasure of introducing to you Colonel Bain, 
of Kentucky. 



13iogpapl^ieal Sl^ot©!^ 



Merchant, carpenter, farmer, orator, celebrated temperance and 
literary lecturer. 

Colonel Bain was born in Lexington, Ky., as were his mother and 
grandmother. His father was a Virginian, of Scottish descent, who emi- 
grated to Kentucky when a young man. 

George was educated in a country academy, and early developed 
his talent for public speaking. His father kept a country store, and an 
uncle was a carpenter and farmer. George acquired a strong constitu- 
tion by taking part in all these occupations. He and his father belonged 
to the same debating society, and were often pitted against each other, 
which gave him his first training as a publrc speaker, but he was in his 
thirtieth year before he made a public address. He was then in the dry- 
goods business, and had joined the Good Templars. Being called upon 
for an address at a public meeting, he produced a profound impression 
and at once took rank as an orator. 

In one year afterward he was made grand counselor, then grand 
chief templar of the State, and was in great demand as a lecturer. In 
his capacity of G. C. T. he initiated into the order, in Kentucky, 24,000 
members; canvassed the State for "local option" petitioners, and 
secured 300,000 names, obtaining the legislation required, and says: 
"That law is still the law in Kentucky, and under it over sixty counties 
are to-day without a saloon." 

Colonel Bain is a successful Sunday-school worker — an ardent friend 
of education — and enjoys such a prominence in the Prohibition party 
that he could twice have been its candidate for vice-president, but he 
positively declined, believing that his duty lies in the field he has chosen. 
He is eminently useful abroad, and happy in his beautiful Kentucky 
home, surrounded by children and grandchildren. 

Of his talent and eloquence Rev. Russell H. Conwell says: "He 
is a popular orator in its most attractive sense and is the most widely 
known of any lecturer of to-day." 

Miss Frances E. Willard, Prof. A. A. Hopkins and a host of public 
journals bear testimony to the power and worth upon the platform of 
Colonel George W. Bain. N. H. 



/^ddross to Qpaduatos 
Oolonol Goopgo W, JSair\. 



It is true we not only have the fleetest and finest horses in 
the world, but we have the handsomest women in the world 
(applause), and the finest-looking men on the face of the earth 
{increased applause), and the greatest compliment I can pay you 
is that you look just like a Kentucky audience. [Great 
applause)) 

Graduates of Peirce Business College and Ladies and 
Gentlemen of the United States : — I appreciate very much 
the honor conferred upon me by being called upon to deliver 
this address, but I must say, since I visited the College this 
afternoon, its many departments, and each filled with intelli- 
gent, earnest young men and women ; since I realize the 
magnitude of the institution, I appreciate more than words can 
express the responsibility of this hour. 

When I accepted the invitation my first thought was to 
prepare an address upon the life of a business man, showing 
how, by bear-hugging energy, he may become to commercial 
interest what the girth is to the saddle, the undergirding that 
keeps things steady. But when I considered the duty before 
me, I said to myself, " those to whom you will speak have 
shown their appreciation of commercial life by gathering, 
through months of study, the trophies a great business college 
has been providing, and the thoroughness of their training has 
given them a knowledge beyond your capacity to instruct. 
You have for years been giving lectures in which are whole- 
some lessons, and from these you may select what will prove 



39$ ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

a pabulum and stimulus to them." So I propose to take for 
my theme the whole problem of life, and enter a field where 
education never ceases; indeed, the education outside the 
school-room is much greater than the education inside. All 
the forces and elements of society are teachers, and the world 
is a tuition. The birth of an infant into this world is its 
matriculation into a university where it graduates in successive 
degrees, and in this great school of life, where we are con- 
tinually influenced by what touches us, the important question 
is, How will you be influenced by what touches you ? How 
will you touch others, who may be fed by your fullness, 
starved by your emptiness, uplifted by your righteousness, or 
tainted by your sins ? While your success in commercial life 
is a matter of great interest to you, it is also important that 
you prove yourselves to be Jonathans to your friends, Ruths to 
your kindred, Jacobs to your families, Gideons to your country 
and true to God. {Applause}) You go out from here to- 
morrow to take hold of the throttle-valve of commerce and 
help to build up the commercial glory of our country, but 
what will you do to help build up its moral grandeur ? For, 
remember, the question is not whether we have country 
enough to home the world, soil rich enough to feed the world, 
and resources enough to run the machinery of the world, but 
have we morals enough to save the Republic ? {Applause)) 
The old wooden store may give way to the marble front, the 
ox-team to the splendor of modern railroad perfection, and the 
electric light may take the place of the tallow-dip, but unless 
the moral keep pace with the physical it is " advancement 
without improvement." When God called the son of Uri to 
work on the tabernacle He said, " I have called him and filled 
him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom to work in gold and silver 
and brass." He must not only have a knowledge of the work, 
but he was filled with the Spirit of God that he might have his 
heart and conscience in his work. What this country needs 
is more heart and conscience in commercial life, political life, 
and home life ; for that man who is all brains and no heart 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 399 

goes through life with his intellect shining above his bosom 
like an electric light over a graveyard. {Applause) It is 
along this line of thought I shall try to travel, and point 
out, as best I can, things that may prove helpful and things 
hurtful. The captain of a vessel, when entering a channel, 
lost his experienced pilot; calling another, he said, "Do you 
know this is a dangerous channel ? " "I do," said the pilot. 
" Do you know it is full of breakers ? " said the captain. " I 
do, and will point them out," said the pilot. The vessel sped 
on and soon struck a breaker ; the captain was thrown into 
the water, and as he came up the pilot, hanging to the pilot- 
house, said, " Captain, that is one of them." I would not 
have any member of this class find them in that w r ay, so I 
propose to point out some of the dangers along life's channel. 
The first I shall name is idleness. Some one said, years 
ago, and cursed the world when he said it, " There is only a 
dollar's difference between the man who works and the man 
who plays, and the man who plays gets that." There is an 
old superstition that whoever found the philosopher's stone 
would be chiefest among ten thousand, and we have the same 
superstition yet, only young men believe in luck instead of 
looking for the stone. " By the sweat of thy face shalt thou 
eat bread " has in it more sweet bread than all your luck. On 
this ancient law the greatest successes of the world have been 
based. On this Abraham Lincoln stood, splitting rails, and 
wedged himself to the highest office in the gift of the republic; 
on this Shakespeare stood, weaving wool, and wove for himself 
a fame immortal ; on this James A. Garfield tramped a tow- 
path with no company but an honest mule, but that tow-path 
led on to the White House in Washington. {Applause) Do 
not be lazy. I saw a man once who really looked so lazy it 
seemed to rest me to look at him. {Laughter) I read, some 
time ago, of a man who visited a library, and, looking up, he 
saw a long row of books labeled " Succedaneum." He said, 
" What kind of a book can that be ? " Taking down one, he 
found it to be a block of wood carved into the shape of a book, 



400 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

made to fill space, but not a word or thought inside ; and so 
we have succedaneum specimens of humanity all around us, 
as certain to be blockheads in society as that was a block of 
wood, and they had far better be busts of wood and wool for 
clothing dealers to hang patterns on than be human beings, 
with sixty minutes of every hour saying, " at your service," 
and not one branded with industry. The man or woman who 
lives in this age of the world and lives in idleness should have 
been born in some other age. When ox-teams crept across 
the plains and stage-coaches went five miles an hour, idleness 
may have been in some kind of harmony with the age ; but 
now, when a man takes breakfast one day in New York, dinner 
next day in Chicago, and supper the next day out on the 
plains ; when telephone and telegraph send news faster than 
light flies ; when cotton, picked from the stalk one day, is 
made into a suit of clothes the next, the idler is out of place. 
He is born too late, and, as Dr. Talmage says, " he will die 
too late." {Laughter}) Carlyle says: "The race of life has 
become intense ; the runners are treading on each others' heels. 
Woe be to that man who stops to tie his shoe-strings." Some 
young men think because they are wealthy they can afford to 
be idle, but no man or woman, able to work, can be happy in 
idleness; the brightest, broadest-winged angel in heaven could 
not be happy in idleness. His wings were given him to soar 
eternity with, and he can only be happy as he does his 
appointed work. {Applause) When I was superintendent 
of a Sabbath-school in Lexington, Ky., some years ago, I 
invited a minister to talk to the school. In his address he 
told of the artist who said to some friends, while passing a 
huge rough stone, " Gentlemen, there is an angel in that 
stone;" and he made the application by saying, "the angel 
came out ; and so there is an angel in every one of you ; let 
him come out." The next Sunday I said: "Children, the 
doctor did not have time to elaborate his address; the angel 
did not come out of that stone ; the artist had to work him 
out, and to do so took many a skilful stroke." Pardon me, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 4OI 

but when I was about sixteen years of age, as I thought then, 
just old enough to have sweethearts, if you had asked me 
then what I would have done that the angel come out, I would 
have said, make me to be a man with a handsome mustache. 
Oh, if I could only be a man and have a mustache surely I 
would be an angel ; but now I am a man and have the 
mustache, but I am not the angel yet. {Laughter) I have to 
work to get the angel out, and have to pray God every day 
to help me. In youth one does not appreciate the realities of 
life. When young, I thought the world a beautiful panorama, 
unfolding every day for my pleasure, but when, at the age of 
twenty-one, I awoke in the midst of a war that soaked the soil 
of my land with tears and blood, I found life a stern reality. 

I would not rob you of the ideal visions of youth, but I 
would have you appreciate the responsibility of man, for 
whom the sun shines, breezes blow, flowers bloom, the ele- 
ments of whose body make him the epitome of the universe 
and the elements of whose soul are linked with the eternal. 
If I could lift, to-night, on this platform the highest standard 
of manhood and womanhood, and each one here should march 
under and be measured, how many would fall short, and if 
only a few of the best could hope to touch the standard, how 
far short would the dude fall ? Some one may say " That is 
from sublime to ridiculous." It is, for I do not know a greater 
leap from sublime to ridiculous than from true manhood to 
modern dudism. I stood on a fashionable thoroughfare, 
sometime ago, for two hours, studying dudism, and as they 
passed by, with cut-away coats of conceit and hats balanced 
on heads of pomposity, I did not wonder at the country boy, 
whose father took him to New York to see the sights. They 
had gone but a few blocks when the country boy saw two dudes 
on the opposite side of the street. He gazed at them for a 
moment and then, turning to his father, he said, " Father, it 
beats all how we see things when we have no guns." (Laugh- 
ter) It seems to me, if words ever applied, the words of 
Burns apply to the dude : " Oh wad some power the giftie 



402 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

gie us to see oursel's as ithers see us ! " The dude never sees 
himself that way. He thinks he has but to lift his hat and 
show the world a Henry Clay head, and he does — minus the 
Henry. [Laughter and applause^) 

Some time ago I saw a Miss Dude, a dudee or dudine. 
I was on my way from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Pittsburgh when 
she took the train. She was a variety actress, a ballet dancer, 
and had a poodle dog with her. The first thing she did was 
to occupy four seats. A country woman soon after entered, 
carrying a babe on one arm and a basket of eggs and butter 
on the other. Approaching timidly the dudine, she said, " Is 
this seat taken ? " "I should think it is," was the reply, and 
the mother made her way back to a seat next to the door, where 
the babe would shiver in the cold. That woman was on her 
way to Pittsburgh to sell her eggs and butter, to buy toys for 
her children, that they might remember home and Christmas 
and mother, while the dudine was on her way to the same city 
to dress in ballet dancer style and sing " Over the Garden 
Wall." If you will take a scale that will weigh true worth 
and place them opposite, that farmer's wife and baby would 
throw the dudine as high as the weight of an elephant would 
an ounce gum ball. (Laughter^) My young friends, this 
world does not want fluttering butterflies and dandies. The 
poet expressed it well when he said, 

" Ah, what avails to understand 
The merits of a spotless shirt, 
A dapper boot, a little hand, 
If half the little soul be dirt ? " 

The world wants a class of young people dedicated to 
noble ambition. And yet I would not have you give up inno- 
cent pleasures. I am not like that man whose son said, " Papa, 
can I go to the circus to-morrow ? " the reply was, " No, son, 
you cannot, but if you will be a good little boy to-day I will 
take you out to the cemetery to-morrow and let you see the 
big new gravestone we are putting up over your grand- 
mother." Now there was fun for a boy. (Laughter?) If 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 403 

that man had said " I do not think you ought to go to the 
circus, but to-morrow I will have the horses saddled and we 
will take a ride into the country," that boy would not have 
desired to go to the circus. When the devil sets up tempta- 
tions for the young on the one hand, I believe in setting up 
better ones on the other. I have no desire to take from the 
young innocent pleasures. I would multiply these pleasures 
and have you dress nicely, but remember, one of the saddest 
scenes on the streets of this great city to-night is that young 
man whose clothes are finest in quality but whose princi- 
ples are dilapidated. There are young men around us to-night 
by hundreds who would not enter the company of young 
ladies unless dressed faultlessly, and yet they will rush into 
the presence of God before they sleep to-night with a half- 
dozen oaths upon their lips. Will Carleton says, 

" Boys flying kites haul in their white-plumed birds, 
You can't do that way when you are flying words ; 
Thoughts unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead, 
But God himself can't kill them when they're said." 

Will Carleton puts it in poetry ; let me put it in prose. 
Pay more attention to your manners than your mustache ; 
keep your conduct as neat as your necktie ; polish your lan- 
guage as well as your boots. Remember, young men, a 
mustache grows grey, clothes get seedy, boots wear out, but 
honor, virtue and integrity will be as bright and fresh when 
you totter with old age as when your mother first looked love 
into your eyes. (Applause)) 

Take care of your principles, and to do this start right 
and keep right. I heard of a traveler who said to a wayside 
farmer, " How far do you call it to Philadelphia ?" The farmer 
replied, " About twenty-five thousand miles, the way you are 
going; if you turn and go the other, it is fourteen miles." 
There is a wonderful difference in the ways of life. A young 
man says : " I believe I have started wrong ; I swear and take 
a glass of beer, now and then ; I am sowing a few wild oats, 
but though I have started wrong, I will come out right." If 



404 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

you remember nothing else in my address I would have you 
remember that two diverging lines go on and on, widening as 
as they go. Luke Howard graduated in a leading college and 
went to practice his profession in a large city. He took board- 
ing with a fashionable hotel. One morning after a drunken 
debauch the landlord said, " Mr. Howard, you must move from 
my hotel ; you disturbed my boarders last night." Young men, 
did he go to a better hotel ? No, but a grade lower ; he had 
started wrong. In this one, a few months after, he found the 
same order to leave. Did he go to a better ? No, still lower ; 
he had started wrong. At last he sought boarding in a low 
saloon hotel, on a back street, near the river. The landlord 
met him and said, " Sir, I feel honored to have you board with 
me. I remember when you graduated in the college, I saw 
the flowers tossed at your feet and you shall have the best 
room in my house." The poor drunkard took the room, but 
eight months after, at midnight in Christmas week, he was 
very drunk and asleep on the bar-room floor. The landlord 
went to him and with a kick said, " Get up and out of here, 
you brute." The poor fellow arose and said, " Brute ! Where 
am I ? This is my landlord and my home; what is the mat- 
ter ?" The landlord replied, " Get out at once, sir, and never 
do you enter here again." " Get out," said Howard ; " why, 
sir, you said you felt honored to have me board in your house, 
when I came here ; what is the matter now ?" The reply 
came, " You are not the man now you once were, sir." " Oh, 
my God," said the drunkard, " I am not the man I was. 
Good-bye, sir, good-bye ; I will leave ; I am not the man I 
was." He started, but in descending the steps he fell and 
his head struck the curbstone. A physician was sent for. 
When he came he recognized the injured man as his school- 
mate in other years and kneeling by him said, " Look up, 
Luke, here is your old-time friend by you to help you." 
Feeling upward, Luke Howard said, " Hold my hand, Jimmy, 
and listen : I am not the man I was, I am not the man I 
was," and thus died the poor fellow. Start wrong and end 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 405 

right ? Start wrong to-day and you may expect in the 
autumn of life the goadings of memory to harrow your soul. 
While I attempt to entertain you, this evening, with an 
occasional anecdote, God help me to help some boy in this 
great audience to start right and keep right to the end of 
life. [Applause^ 

If you start right and keep right, no matter where you 
start from, you will end right. Go find me the poorest boy in 
Philadelphia ; let him lay his hand on his heart and pledge me 
he will be industrious, honest, economical and sober, and in 
twenty years hence you will find him honored and " well to 
do" in life. Boys, are any of you poor ? Never mind poverty. 
The rich men of to-day were poor boys thirty years ago. 
The great men come out of cabins as a rule. Columbus was 
a weaver, Halley was a soap-maker, Homer was a beggar, and 
Franklin, whose name will live while lightning blazes on a 
cloud, came from the printer's desk. Fifteen years ago I rode 
horseback through Hardin and La Rue counties, Kentucky. 
We call that the land of ticks and lizards. The soil is very 
poor, so poor that it will not raise black-eye peas unless you 
take them without the eyes. Riding along that day I came 
upon a spot of rank weeds where the soil had been made rich 
by the decay of an old cabin that once stood there. Out of 
that cabin years ago came a lean, lank, white-headed boy. If 
ever a boy came from abject poverty that one did. When 
only seven years of age he would walk to Hodgenville with a 
basket of eggs to sell. The boys laughed at him. They said 
his clothes were like Joseph's, because so many colors. But 
he was industrious, honest and sober. After a while he was 
old enough to leave home, so he went down the Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers on a flat-boat. Then he returned and cross- 
ing over into Indiana he there split rails awhile, then on to 
Illinois, where he practiced law, then on to the presidential 
chair, and in his death he bore the shackles of four million 
slaves and linked his name with that of Liberty. {Applause?) 
I thank God we live in a land where a boy can go from a 



406 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

tow-path, a tan-yard or a rail-cut to the presidency of a 
republic. Where I can look the humblest boy in the face 
and say, 

" Never ye mind the crowd, my boy, 
Or think that life won't tell, 
The work is the work for aye that, 

To him that doeth it well. 
Fancy the world a hill, my boy, 
Look where the millions stop ; 
You'll find the crowd at the base, my boy, 
There's always room at the top." 
{Applause) 

Lucy Rome was taken up for vagrancy in the great city. 
The austere judge said, "Who claims that child?" A little 
boy stepped forward and said, " I do, sir." " What is your 
name?" said the judge. The boy said, "I am her brother." 
"Officer, take the girl." The boy said, "Oh! judge, do not 
take her from me, she is all I have to love in the world." "If 
you will get me some good man to go your security you can 
have her, but I cannot give her to you," said the judge. The 
little fellow, with tears in his eyes, walked close up to his sister 
and said : " Sir, I have no one to give. I did take care of her 
till the man for whom I worked died, and while I was looking 
up a place she begged some bread and they took her up ; but 
now I have a good place, where I will get three dollars a week, 
and I will put her in school. I have no security, but I do not 
lie, nor swear, nor drink, and I work hard. Judge, will you 
please let me kiss her, then, before you take her from me ?" 
The judge wept and said, " Take her, my boy, I will go your 
security." Hand-in-hand they left the court-room, Jimmy 
Rome to make a useful, successful man, and his sister grew to 
be a most excellent lady. Have you lithe limb, bounding 
blood and healthy brain ? Then do not be like the owl, who 
when daylight comes hides himself beneath the shades of the 
ivy-bound oak and there moans the days of life away, but 
rather be like the proud eagle who leaves his craggy height, 
takes his pinion flight toward the sky, rides upon the storm 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 407 

and on beyond bathes his plumage in the sunlight. (Applause}) 
Having pointed out to you the dangers, profanity, idleness and 
intemperance, having held up before you the helpful graces, 
industry, sobriety and honor, I would add to these last named 
two very helpful traits, decision and courage. The decision 
to upturn the tea in Boston harbor, the courage to write 
" Charles Carroll, of Carrollton" to say, " give me liberty or 
give me death," gave us this government of the people, by the 
people and for the people. 

" Tender-handed touch a nettle, 
And it stings you for your pains, 
Grasp it like a man of mettle, 
Silk it in your hand remains." 

Whenever duty leads have the courage to follow. 

" If you come to a river deep and wide, 
And you've no canoe to skim it, 
If your duty is on the other side, 
Jump in, my boy, and swim it." 

Whatever is right stand by, if you stand alone. You may 
go far ahead of sentiment, but the world must come to where 
you stand. When in Boston lecturing on temperance a gen- 
tleman said to me, " I was interested in your lecture, but you 
are far ahead of public sentiment in Boston." I said, " I have 
been in Boston long enough to find public sentiment is not right. 
I went down Washington street yesterday afternoon," said I, 
" and met an elegantly-dressed lady ; I suppose wealthy, judging 
from her diamonds and dress. She had a poodle dog in her 
arms, caressing it, and the same woman would not be caught 
carrying her own baby in her arms down your fashionable 
avenue, and yet the highest type of creation is a true mother 
with a babe in her arms, and I believe it would be a blessing- 
to our country if some avenging angel could go through the 
cities of the land and smite every English pug and poodle dog 
bought to take the place of a baby. {Applause}) Never mind 
sentiment, but have the courage to stand for what is right." 



408 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

To those traits I have named add thoroughness. We are told 
the moss Mungo Park brought from the wilds of Africa was 
as perfect as that which inspired the song of the " Old Oaken 
Bucket." Go out on the mountain's crag where no foot has 
yet reached and get the wild flower that leans its pale cheek 
against the snow, you will find it perfect as the hundred-leaved 
rose of the garden plot. Take the telescope, find the most 
distant star and you will find it as perfect as the star of the 
evening, and both singing as they shine, " The Hand that made 
us is divine." God teaches us thoroughness in every flower 
that blooms, every bird that sings and every star that shines. 
To all these helpful graces add the most helpful of all, faith 
in God and the immortality of the human soul. Mr. Ingersoll 
may criticise religion, but show me the genuine old Christian 
into whose mind thoughts have come, lifted all his life, through 
the Bible, and I will show you a scene, not like the one he 
painted over the graves of his brother and friend, which 
reminded me of the poor bird, driven by the storm far out on 
the sea, trying to rest its weary wing on the crest of the wind- 
driven wave, but I will show you an Indian-summer scene, 
with rosy clouds going down the horizon shell-tinted with 
glories of the setting sun. Mr. Ingersoll may say, " You 
cannot follow your Christian man through the night of death 
and tell me his fate in the eternal morning." That may be 
true, but I can say this : " If there is another world, he's in 
bliss. If not, he's made the best of this," {Applause) 

Without faith in God and immortality, human life would 
be a farce. Without this faith the bold utterances of Walt 
Whitman would be very reasonable, when he said : " I could 
go live with the animals, they are so placid and self-contained; 
they do not lie awake at night to weep over their sins, and 
they are not demented with the mania for owning everything." 
With faith in God, we can understand how out of life's dis- 
cords God can bring harmony like as when nature smites a 
nut into putting forth its power of appropriation and, though 
it decays in the earth, from it comes tree with bark and leaf, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 4O9 

blossom and fruitage. So my faith is that when from out the 
fetters of our flesh these spirits will escape, this short prelude 
which we call human life will swell into an anthem that will 
vibrate the very throne of heaven, and the humblest child of 
earth, if reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, will be as 
well known in the concert chorus as the first-born sons of 
Jehovah's love, who when the stars first sang together shouted 
for joy. This faith, my young friends, will prove your best 
friend. It will not only go with you up the steep of manhood, 
but down the declivity of old age, and in the valley of the 
shadow of death it will not leave you, but wait till you throw 
off your burden of clay, then bear you away on its balmy 
wings to your eternal home. May this be your faith and my 
faith, and amid the trials of life may we with wings of faith 
cleave the clouds, mount the heavens and hold our hearts in the 
tranquil upper air until the thunders have ceased to roar at our 
feet. My last admonition is, go out to be true men and women. 
The grandest man, whether rich or poor, is the truest man. 
When James A. Garfield died, kings and queens bowed their 
heads in mourning, while the sunny Southland magnolia and 
New England rose kissed each other over his grave at Cleve- 
land and there buried bitter memories I would both North and 
South would write over, " No more resurrection forever," for 
we are one people under one flag in one republic. {Applause}) 
The world honors a true man. What shall I say of a true 
woman ? I will say that there is no fidelity equal to that of a 
true woman, and I congratulate the young ladies of this class 
upon the fields of life open to women and the more to follow. 
I know since John Hall led his wife to the auction-block and 
sold her and then sold the rope for two pence with which to lead 
her home, at the gate-way of every new field opened for women 
since, some man has stood at the gate-way to forbid her entrance, 
lest she should go beyond her sphere. Yet I defy the world 
to show me one she has entered since, of the more than three 
hundred, where she has degraded her womanhood, or one that 
has not been blessed by the touch of her influence. {Applause) 



41 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Lastly, to you both, I would say, seek a business for 
which you are fitted. Remember Cowper was a failure as a 
lawyer but a grand success as a poet, Goldsmith was a bung- 
ling surgeon but a power with his pen, Horace Greeley was a 
success in the Tribune office but a failure as a farmer, U. S. 
Grant was a great general but a poor banker. I believe we 
have born lawyers, born doctors, preachers, teachers, artists, 
poets, singers, farmers and merchants. Have you not seen two 
farmers, one of whom did not seem to work hard but everything 
was neatness from one end of the farm to the other ; while the 
other worked, the cattle were in the corn, gates off hinges, 
fences down and weeds everywhere. He has no business 
farming ; he ought to quit and go to the Legislature. {Laughter}) 

Half the failures of life are because men do not find their 
calling. Remember in making the choice, 

" Honor and fame from no condition rise. 
Act well your part; there all the honor lies." 

" Happier the man who proves himself worthy of the 
world's honors and fails to get them than the man who 
unworthily wears them." In the eye of God there .is no 
aristocracy. The miller's boy whose clothes are white from 
the meal that falls from the hopper is as high-toned in the eye 
of God as the knickerbocker-suited son of fashionable society 
on his way to the lawn-tennis ground in June. 

If you ask me to point you to greatness in life, I do not point 
you to that greatness which comes from concentrated radiations 
on historic heights ; but wherever your lot in life be cast, 

" In the name of God advancing, 

Plow and sow and labor now ; 
Let there be when evening cometh 

Honest sweat upon thy brow, 
And then will come the Master, 

When work stops at set of sun, 
Saying as he pays the wages, 

' Good and faithful one, well done.' " 

{Prolonged applause.) 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peirce School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, 



PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



Thursday Evening, Dec. 17, 1891, 



AT 7.3O O'CLOCK. 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH SCHOOL YEAR. 



-^ PROGRAMME -^ 

Thursday KVe'g, Dec. 17, 1891 

MUSIC BY 

Germania Orchestra, 

COMMENCING AT 7.30 O'CLOCK, 

CHARLES M. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 



MARCH — "Commencement Day," . . Fehling 

SELECTION— "Poor Jonathan," . . Millqcker 

WALTZ — " Tout Paris," Waldteufel 

MARCH — " Alexander ;" Weingarten 

FACULTY, GRADUATES AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
THOMAS DOLAN, 

President of Manufacturers' Club. 

Prayer by Rt. Rev. Bishop O. W. WHITAKER, D. D. 

MUSIC— "Intermezzo, Cavalleria Rusticana," MASCAGNI 

Annual Address, ANDREW CARNEGIE, 

MUSIC— "Zylophone Solo," Meyer 

Presentation of Diplomas, 
Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, M. A., Ph. D. 

MUSIC— "Ange d' Amour? Waldteufel 

Address to the Graduates, ROBERT J. BURDETTE, 

MUSIC— "Polish Dance? Scharwenka 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 
MUSIC— "Bon Voyage," FORT 



List of Gpaduatos, ©lass of '91, 



Business Soupse. 

Amesbury, Arthur Cooke Pennsylvania. 

Baumann, Anna Pennsylvania. 

Belz, John Pennsylvania. 

Berry, Addie Foster Pennsylvania. 

Beyer, Alvin Daniel Pennsylvania. 

Bickley, Isaac Walter Pennsylvania. 

Blank, William Charles Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Bonsall, Samuel Wells Pennsylvania. 

Braun, William, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Bullock, Edward Twaddle Pennsylvania. 

Burke, Katie Marie Pennsylvania. 

Byrom, Frank Pennsylvania. 

Carr, Campbell MacPherson Pennsylvania. 

Cavanagh Lizzie Teresa Pennsylvania. 

Conway, Charles Hartshorne Pennsylvania. 

Cornog, Elsie May Pennsylvania. 

Darnell, Japheth Clifton New Jersey. 

Davis, Lydia Edith Pennsylvania. 

Deisher, Franklin Harrison Pennsylvania. 

Detweiler, Francis Clymer Pennsylvania. 

Dobbs, Herbert Kay New Jersey. 

Duffield, Daniel Jeans .Pennsylvania. 

Ellinger, Ambrose Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Ermann, Estella Pennsylvania. 

Felin, William Cyprian Pennsylvania. 

Finney, William Halstead Pennsylvania. 

Fitzgerald, James Henry Pennsylvania. 

France, Elwood Miller Pennsylvania. 

Frankland, Hannah Pennsylvania. 

Franklin, Mary Estelle Pennsylvania. 

Fretz, William Pennsylvania. 

Fritz, William Worthington Pennsylvania. 

Grauch, Elizabeth Johanna Pennsylvania. 

Grawe, Charles Theodore Pennsylvania. 

Greger, Katie Cecilia Pennsylvania. 

Grogan, Mary Agnes Pennsylvania. 

Gyger, Daniel Walter Pennsylvania. 



4 H ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Halton, Thomas Henry Pennsylvania. 

Head, Charles Sumner , Pennsylvania. 

Hearn, Lavater Harrison Delaware. 

Henon, Agnes Rose Pennsylvania. 

Herbst, Jacob Pennsylvania. 

Hindle, Ella Pennsylvania. 

Hogeland, Elias Pennsylvania. 

Holt, Roland Glass Pennsylvania. 

Hooper, Eleanor Kenton New York. 

Hoyt, Charles Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Hutchinson, John Edwin Pennsylvania. 

Hutchinson, Robert Henry Pennsylvania. 

Johnson, James Edgar Pennsylvania. 

Johnston, Susie Elizabeth Pennsylvania. 

Jones, William J Pennsylvania. 

Koenig, John Charles Pennsylvania. 

Kriebel, Ambrose K. . . , Pennsylvania. 

Lafferty, William Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Leslie, Samuel Jacob Pennsylvania. 

Levering, Ralph Irving Pennsylvania. 

Liebherr, Ella Maria Pennsylvania. 

McGarvey, Catharine Agnes Pennsylvania. 

McLaughlin, Mary Louisa New Jersey. 

McMahon, Marguerite Eleanor Pennsylvania. 

Meals, Charles Atlee Pennsylvania. 

Miller, John Harvey K Pennsylvania. 

Mover, Carrie , Pennsylvania. 

Nagel, John Henry Pennsylvania. 

Nyce, Benjamin Franklin Pennsylvania. 

Ozias, John Howard Pennsylvania. 

Peirce, Ruth , Pennsylvania. 

Perrin, Albert Otis Pennsylvania. 

Reiff, George Wanner Pennsylvania. 

Rettew, Granville Leon Pennsylvania. 

Roberts, William Milnor Pennsylvania. 

Rodgers, Isaac Hellerman Pennsylvania. 

Sabold, Annie Pennsylvania. 

Sailer, Daniel Peddell New Jersey. 

Sanger, Carl Dennis . , Pennsylvania 

Sattler, Sylvia Pennsylvania. 

Scott, Charles Lehman Pennsylvania. 

Seipt, George Anders Pennsylvania. 

Shaw, John Adams Pennsylvania. 

Shelmire, George Cornell Pennsylvania. 

Shiffer, Harry Louis Pennsylvania. 

Snyder, Nathaniel Hagey Pennsylvania. 

Sparks, John Wesley Pennsylvania. 

Spiro, Anna Pennsylvania. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 415 

Sterner, Henry Franklin Pennsylvania. 

Stinger, John Drisback . Pennsylvania. 

Stouffer, Harry Clare Pennsylvania. 

Thole, Henry Ed"\vin Pennsylvania. 

Thorn, William Henry Pennsylvania-. 

Tomlinson, George Walton Pennsylvania. 

Torrens, Francis Johnson Pennsylvania. 

Vansant, Howard Pennsylvania. 

Welch, May Corinne Pennsylvania. 

Wells, Samuel Clayton Pennsylvania. 

Wilson, John Russell New Jersey. 

Wolfer, William Conrad Pennsylvania. 

Youxng, Reba Smith Pennsylvania. 

Shorthand Soupse. 

Bailey, Sallie Dingee Pennsylvania. 

Beggs x Martha Birkmire Pennsylvania. 

Billingsfelt, Ida Otter Pennsylvania. 

Boyd, Anna Pennsylvania. 

Buckle, Margaret Pennsylvania. 

Denney, Catharine Alecia Pennsylvania. 

Draper, Ada May New Jersey. 

Flanagan, Eleanor Rosalia Pennsylvania. 

Fleck, Laura Pauline Pennsylvania. 

Gray, Isabella Marie Pennsylvania. 

Hall, Ethel Vert Pennsylvania. 

Hoesch, Anna Catharine Pennsylvania. 

Hoffner, Joseph Payntor Pennsylvania. 

Holmes, Matilda Pennsylvania. 

Johnson, Margaret Jane Pennsylvania. 

Kinnev, . Catharine Agnes Pennsylvania. 

McClellan, Isabel Pennsylvania. 

MacHugh, Rosa Maria Pennsylvania. 

O'Connell, James Paul Pennsylvania. 

Peirce, Ruth Pennsylvania. 

Penny, Jean Frances New York. 

Rattay, Leona Pennsylvania. 

Rudolph, Robert Henry Pennsylvania 

Scullin, Mrs. Marienne Virginia . New Jersey. 

Shaw, Anna Virginia Pennsylvania. 

Staneruck, Mary Virginia Pennsylvania. 

Vogdes, Catharine Elmore Pennsylvania. 

Warfield, Aimee La Roche Pennsylvania. 

Wilkins, Madge Nicholson New Jersey. 

Wolfe, Stephens Carbon Pennsylvania. 

Business Course, Ninety-eight. 

Shorthand Course, Thirty. 
Total, One Hundred and Twenty-eight 



O^i Williarx} Whjit&l^Qr 



Doctor of divinity, educator, bishop in the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. 

This beloved prelate was born in New Salem, Massachusetts, May 
10, 1830. He was graduated at Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1856; 
was principal of the High School in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, 
for nearly four years, and then entered the general Theological Seminary, 
New York, where he was graduated in 1863. He was ordained deacon 
in Grace Church, Boston, Massachusetts, July 15, 1863, by Bishop East- 
burn, and ordained priest in St. Stephen's Chapel, Boston, August 7, 1863, 
by the same bishop. He went to Nevada, and was made rector of St. 
John's, Gold Hill. Returning in 1865, he became rector of St. Paul's 
Church, Englewood, New Jersey. He again went to Nevada in 1867, 
and was rector of St. Paul's Church, Virginia City. 

He was elected missionary bishop of Nevada and Arizona, by the 
General Convention in New York, in 1868, and was consecrated in St. 
George's Church, New York, October 13, 1869, by Right Reverend Chas. 
Pettit Mcllvaine, S. T. D., LL. D., assisted by Right Reverend Horatio 
Potter, S. T. D., LL. D., D. C. L. ; Right Reverend Manton Eastburn, 
S. T. D., LL. D. ; Right Reverend William Henry Odenheimer, D. D., 
D. C. L. , and Right Reverend Joseph Cruikshank Talbot, D. D., LL. D. 

He was elected assistant bishop of Pennsylvania and translated in 
1886. 

Upon the death of Bishop Stevens, June n, 1887, he became bishop 
of Pennsylvania. 

Bishop Whitaker took part in the third Pan-Anglican Council in 
London in 1888. He has published occasional sermons, but a faithful 
bishop, with "the care of all the churches," has little time for avocations 
that conduce to popular fame. He is better known through his adminis- 
trative ability and thoroughness in practical work than as a writer. 

N. H. 



I°ray op 
F?igfcjt J^qV. Bishop O. W. Wl^ita^op, JD.ID. 



Almighty and Everlasting God, who art always more 
ready to hear than we to pray, and from whom we are con- 
tinually receiving more than we deserve, we thank Thee for 
all the favorable conditions of our lives ; for the comforts and 
conveniences which we enjoy; for the increase of knowledge; 
for the better understanding of Thy marvelous works; for the 
manifestation of Thy goodness and power, of which the world 
is full. We thank Thee for the government under which we 
live ; for the civil and religious institutions in whose benefits 
we share. Grant us, we beseech Thee, a right understanding 
and an abiding sense of our relationship to Thee, which shall 
constrain us to a right use of our privileges and a hearty 
obedience of Thy laws. 

We ask Thy blessing upon us as we are now assembled 
in the interest of this College, whose purpose it is to prepare 
young men and women for the business of life. May Thy 
favor rest upon this institution, its Principal and all its teachers 
and students. 

Grant, O Lord, that the exercises of this evening may be 
profitable to all who are here present. May those who speak, 
speak under the guidance of Thy spirit of wisdom. May our 
conceptions of truth and duty be made clearer and our purpose 
to do Thy will be made stronger by what we shall hear. 

Especially do we ask Thy blessing upon the members of 
this graduating class as they go forth to take their places in 



41 8 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the ranks of industry. May they honor Thee in all their 
thoughts and ways. May they be diligent and conscientious 
in whatever their hands find to do. May they be faithful in 
every trust committed to them. May they be useful citizens 
in the maintenance of order and law, and in everything that 
pertains to the welfare of society; and may they live pure and 
clean lives. Direct them by Thy holy spirit and give them 
willing minds to do only those things that are right ; and may 
they and all of us live evermore in the spirit of that prayer 
which Thy Son Himself hath taught us when He said, " When 
ye pray, say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it 
is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil. 
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever 
and ever. Amen." 



T3iocfraph|i©a.l Sl^otel^ 



Manufacturer, president of the Keystone Knitting Mills, president 
of Quaker City Dye Works, president of Manufacturers' Association, etc. 

Few men are better known in Philadelphia than is Mr. Thomas 
Dolan, who was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, October 27, 
1834. 

His management of the Keystone Mills, at Hancock and Oxford 
streets and Columbia avenue, would alone constitute him a public char- 
acter, covering as they do six squares of territory of the city, and employ- 
ing many hundreds of operatives. 

But Mr. Dolan is an active and enterprising man and is connected 
with a number of institutions of Philadelphia, commercial, financial and 
political. He is president of the Quaker City Dye Works ; president of 
the Philadelphia Association of Manufacturers of Textile Fabrics, and 
of the Textile Dyers' Association ; vice-president of the National Asso- 
ciation of Wool Manufacturers ; one of the vice-presidents of the Union 
League Club ; trustee of the Pennsylvania Museum of Industrial Art; 
director in the Merchants' National Bank ; director in the Delaware 
Mutual Insurance Company ; director in the United Gas Improvement 
Company ; director in the Brush Electric Light Company ; director in 
the Philadelphia Traction Company ; director in the School of Design for 
Women and the University Hospital ; president of Manufacturers' 
,Club. N. H. 



Irjtroduetory l^omap^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Tr^onqas IDolaq. 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — I will not detain you with any 
remarks, but at once proceed to the pleasant duty assigned to 
me of calling upon and introducing to you the orator of the 
evening, a gentleman famous in the business world — being at 
the head of one of the largest business institutions in the 
world — famous as a literary man and as a philanthropist, a 
gentleman pre-eminently fitted for this occasion — Mr. Andrew 
Carnegie. 



JE>iograph}ieal Sl^otel^ 



Manufacturer, philanthropist, orator, author. 

Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, November 25, 1837. His father 
came to the United States in 1848, and with his family settled in Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania. Two years later Andrew began his career by being 
bobbin boy in a cotton factory; afterwards he attended a stationary 
engine. He then became a telegraph operator, and was one of the first 
to read telegraphic signals by sound. Later he became clerk and tele- 
graph operator at Pittsburgh for the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he 
met Mr. Woodruff, inventor of the sleeping-car, whom he joined in the 
effort to have it adopted. The success of this venture gave him the 
nucleus of his great wealth. He became superintendent of the Pittsburgh 
Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and about the same time he was 
one of a syndicate who purchased, for $40,000, the Storey farm on Oil 
creek, from which was realized in one year more than one million dol- 
lars in cash dividends. He and others subsequently established a roll- 
ing-mill, from which has grown the most extensive and complete system 
of iron and steel industries ever controlled by an individual. It embraces 
nine large concerns, and constitutes Andrew Carnegie the largest manu- 
facturer of the kind in the world. 

He is a frequent contributor to periodicals on the uses and duties of 
wealth, the labor question and kindred topics, and long owned eighteen 
English newspapers devoted to liberal interests. His contributions to 
benevolent and educational purposes have been princely. 

His literary works include " An American Four-in-hand in Britain '' 
(New York, 1883); "Round the World" (1884); and "Triumphant 
Democracy, or Fifty Years' March of the Republic" (1886); the last 
being a review of American progress under popular institutions — a work 
that has lately (August, 1892) been largely quoted in the public press. 

Mr. Carnegie, although still owning a majority of the stock of the 
limited partnership, retired from active management in 1888, and has 



422 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

since devoted his time chiefly to literary work and various addresses and 
public speeches, etc. — his " Gospel of Wealth " having perhaps attracted 
most attention. This pamphlet, dedicated to and warmly endorsed by 
"The Right Honorable W. E. Gladstone, M. P." — now premier of Great 
Britain — originally appeared in the North American Review (June and 
December, 1888), and is justly regarded as an extraordinary r'esumt of 
its subject, as well as a glorious monument to the heart, brain and pen 
of its millionaire author, who practices what he preaches. N. H. 



;\r}dp©W* ©apr^ogio, 



Mr. Chairman, Ladies, Gentlemen and Graduates : — 
My last visit to your city was to witness a noble vessel 
launched amidst the plaudits of thousands, a magnificent 
spectacle, marred, however, by the one sad thought that our 
age was still so barbarous that men were compelled to create 
engines of destruction. Would that this day should cease, 
and that brighter day come when the bosom of the sea shall 
be ploughed only by the messengers of commerce and of 
peace, and a ship of war be a monster unknown. I am called 
again to the metropolis of our State, a State which is steadily 
gaining her original and rightful supremacy as the metropoli- 
tan State of the Union. I come to-day to witness much more 
gratifying spectacles. 

It was my privilege this afternoon to attend the launch of 
the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry, upon which 
I congratulate Philadelphia, the State, the United States and 
the world. Art! Science! Industry! The great and good 
man who founded the Drexel Institute has a wise head, filled 
with the ripest experience of life. He sees the importance 
of teaching the young what is useful and of to-day and for 
to-day. There is no trace of the mouldy past, nothing dead 
or decaying in all the course of instruction provided by this 
wise and good benefactor. Permit me to pay a passing 
tribute* to the man who does not wait to bequeath wealth 
which he can no longer hold, and only leave that which he 
cannot keep. There is no grace in the legacy which the 



424 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

hand of death grasps from the man who has hoarded his 
millions of surplus wealth. There is no praise to be bestowed 
upon bequests. I rejoice to hail Mr. Drexel as a true disciple 
of the gospel of wealth, which proclaims that he who dies 
possessed of millions of available wealth which was free for 
him to administer during life dies disgraced. Surplus wealth 
is but a trust, which every man is bound to administer during 
his life for the good of the people from whom that wealth 
came. You have in Mr. Wharton another brilliant example 
of duty done in this respect, in establishing the Wharton 
School. Mr. Drexel has become a millionaire giver in his 
own day. His surplus is not for self, but for others, and in 
regard to such millionaires the cry will be, " Would we had 
more of them." The question of " The Rich and Poor " is 
almost solved when the rich act only as trustees of the poor 
in the distribution of their wealth. (Applause.) 

To-night we witness another launch upon the sea of life, 
the launch of a fine array of young men and women ; both of 
these ceremonies are free from any element of regret, and 
each in every sense much more important, much more vital 
to the true progress of our country and of our race than the 
launch of any engine of destruction ever can be. These 
young men and women are the future presidents and future 
wives of presidents, if not all presidents of the United States, 
as one or more of them may yet be, yet presidents of some- 
thing worthy ; of railways, of banks, of telegraph, insurance 
and manufacturing companies; and I trust, later in life, much 
higher yet, perchance, presidents of hospitals, parks, libraries, 
art museums, musical societies, educational boards and other 
similar organizations which have for their object not pecuniary 
gain, but the happiness and elevation of their fellows. Perhaps 
I see before me more than one who will, ere the race closes, 
reach as high and as useful a place as the president of this 
Business College. (Applause.) 

Mr. Chairman, the vessel which I saw launched here was 
equipped with all the improvements of our own age ■ there 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 425 

was nothing ancient about it; in form as in detail she was the 
product of the latest appliances of science and invention ; the 
wonderful result of the methods and capabilities of to-day. 
Her builders had kept but one end in view — the production 
of the most efficient instrument for the purpose intended. The 
aim upon which all their knowledge and energies were con- 
centrated was to make her " fit for her work." She is to be 
lighted by electricity, an agent unknown a few years ago ; 
steered by steam ; protected not even by iron, which is past, 
but by steel, and by steel of a new kind, the discovery of a 
year ; and the men who navigate her will be men specially 
trained in a manner totally different from those of the past, 
and will no more resemble the " old salt " than the vessel 
itself resembles " Old Ironsides." All is changed. The 
question that occurs to us to-night is : Are these human ves- 
sels we are to launch properly equipped, as the " New York " 
and the Drexel Institute are to be, with the latest arms of 
precision, and all that to-day's knowledge and to-day's needs 
require ? Have their builders of the past years, Doctor 
Peirce and staff, seen to it in their building up that there 
has been ke]Dt steadily in view what would best fit them for 
their work — that work fortunately being to earn their bread 
by the sweat of their brow ? Are they fitted to sail life's 
voyage well ? Have all their powers, time and attention been 
concentrated in learning thoroughly the few essential things to 
enable them to do their appointed work ? No man can learn 
all knowledge, nor even the names of the various branches of 
knowledge, so wide, so varied and so full has the sum of 
human knowledge become. Have these young people been 
taught to navigate the ship of to-day, the modern steamship 
with its new, complicated machinery, or has any man been 
allowed to waste their time trying to teach knowledge which 
is relatively unimportant in languages which are dead? In 
the storms of life are they to be strengthened and sustained 
and held to their post and to the performance of duty by 
drawing upon Hebrew or Greek barbarians as models, or upon 



426 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the examples of our own modern heroes — from the ancient 
or the modern Ulysses, Washington or Hector, Lincoln or 
Caesar ? Is Shakespeare or Homer to be the reservoir from 
which they draw ? In life's voyage are they to be condemned 
to find in some foreign axiom the strength and vigor which 
comes only from their own tongue ? What support have 
Greek or Latin quotations — fearfully mispronounced — compar- 
able to what we have in our own tongue ? For instance : 
" Don't give up the ship ; " or " Fight it out on this line ; " or 
" If any man hauls down the flag, shoot him on the spot ; " or 
" Death before dishonor; " or " Let us do or die ; " and 

" This, above all, to thine own self be true ; 
And it must follow, as the night the day, 
Thou canst not then be false to any man." 
(Applause}) 

No young man can derive inspiration from two sources, 
the ancient and the modern, because no young man has the 
time to learn both thoroughly. There are but few men who 
can know one literature so well that they can feed full upon it. 
The classical scholar cannot know thoroughly Shakespeare 
and Milton and Franklin and Emerson and draw his mental 
food from all the precious sources of strength and inspiration 
contained in his own native tongue. To the extent that he 
knows foreign tongues and foreign literatures, to that extent 
his own tongue and his own literature are necessarily excluded. 
You could as well have two literatures as the source of your 
inspiration through life as you can have two religions. 
Acquaintance with many literatures you may have, and it is 
desirable that you should have acquaintance with these through 
translations, but intimate companionship with one alone. Man 
never thinks in two languages, and this means everything. 

The argument against wasting the time of young men, the 
precious years of youth, in the study of the dead languages, 
is this : that, excepting to the scholar and student, it is im- 
possible for the university graduate to obtain such intimate 
knowledge of a dead foreign language as will give him from 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 42/ 

the original as true a conception of its spirit as he will obtain 
from the best translations in his own tongue. Emerson said 
he would as soon think of swimming across Charles river, 
instead of walking over the bridge, as to read the literature 
of dead languages in the originals. 

In our day all that is precious in the literature of the past 
is presented to us through translations in our own language in 
forms through which nine hundred and ninety-nine out of 
every thousand university graduates can obtain greater benefit 
than if they attempted to peruse the original. I rejoice, there- 
fore, young men and women, to know that your time .has not 
been wasted upon dead languages, but has been fully occupied 
in obtaining knowledge of shorthand and typewriting, banking 
methods, bookkeeping, penmanship, business correspondence 
and business customs, and commercial law, and that you are 
fully equipped to sail upon the element upon which you must 
live your lives and earn your living. " I rejoice that the Drexel 
Institute is also to teach men for the work of to-day. Do not 
think that I underrate the precious gems which the early 
literature of our race holds in its clasp. I hope you will not 
fail to study these through translations, which will give you 
much more than the university graduate can possibly draw 
from them in the original, but always remember that the man 
who writes the purest and best English is he who uses Saxon 
words which mean more to us than Latin or Greek words can 
possibly mean. 

Knowing how you are equipped to enter upon the duties 
of life, I should like, for the gratification of your wise parents 
and friends, to show what you have escaped, and what you 
might have become under less wise direction, by contrasting 
you with the university graduate as graphically and, I believe, 
most correctly described by two presidents of universities who 
have addressed your predecessors from this platform, and who 
should best know the results of their training. Here is what 
President Reed said of himself when he was launched, as you 
are to-night, upon life's sea : — 



428 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

" What little knowledge I had of Latin, Greek and Hebrew 
were of no avail to me in the face of the duties incident to my 
new position. They availed me nothing in the presence of 
the actual necessities confronting me, and which have con- 
fronted thousands more who have found themselves in similar 
situations. And now, ladies and gentlemen, thanks to Doctor 
Peirce, I have a set of books of which I am as proud as is the 
average small boy of the fact that he has had the measles. 
{Laughter?) I look at them, I admire the bindings, I take them 
down — I keep them. ******* 

" And yet my predicament is but that of the average 
collegian on graduating from an institution of learning in this 
country. What more helpless sort of being, I would like to 
ask, is there on the face of the earth than the average collegi- 
ate graduate, who on stepping forth from the halls of his 
Alma Mater, ' sheepskin ' in hand, first finds himself face to 
face with the question what to do with himself under the cir- 
cumstances in which he finds himself placed ? In a majority 
of instances he knows neither what to do nor which way to 
turn. He is very much like the famous donkey, who is 
reported to have died of absolute starvation, standing between 
two hay-ricks, untethered, simply because he could not make 
up his mind which of them to attack first. {Laughter?) That 
is about the situation in which a great many of these wise 
young gentlemen find themselves, when, with the benediction 
of their Alma Mater sounding in their ears, they go forth to 
their life-work." 

Now here is President Patton, who referred to and 
differed from my views upon education. After describing 
the position of the university graduate, he comes to this 
conclusion : — 

" I think sometimes that perhaps the best graduate course 
for some men after they leave Princeton and Harvard and 
Yale would be to come down here and take a term or two 
with Doctor Peirce. It would do a great deal of good." 
{Applause?) 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 429 

What I venture to suggest to these presidents is that, 
if the result of university education be such, they should en- 
deavor to save the most precious years of the young man and 
urge him not only to end with, but to begin with Peirce Col- 
lege also, and go forth to life's work early and equipped as 
you are. It is said a young man's education is finished when 
he leaves school. There never was a greater fallacy. In the 
highest sense, education begins only when a man leaves 
school, college or university. In these institutions he only 
learns the use of the tools. Whether he is to be educated or 
not is to be determined, not by knowing how to use the 
tools, but whether by the use of these tools he makes or mars 
his future development and life-work. 

Whether young men should go from a school like this to 
a university or not is not a question whether they should 
have more education or not, but between two modes of educa- 
tion. Is it best for them, as a rule, to go into direct contact 
with practical work, real things, and obtain their education in 
the finest school — the world around them — and study in their 
spare hours, or that they should then be confined in the modern 
monastery, mitigated by football (the university as at present 
conducted), and the four most precious years of life spent in 
producing such results as those described by the two eminent 
presidents whom I have just quoted? 

We hear much of civil service in the various branches of 
the government, but it is far more important that a strict sys- 
tem of civil service be maintained in all branches of labor; 
in the bank, factory, mill, school, college, university, deserved 
promotion should be the strict rule. It is the strict rule, and 
must be, in all concerns which are phenomenally successful. 
For the only way to attach to any institution the most capable 
young men is to prove to them that in its service merit is the 
only test, and certain to meet with recognition and promotion. 
This salutary system requires the young to enter the service 
while in their teens, and to work up from one stage to another 
until they reach the top. The young man who attempts to 



430 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

start at twenty-two or twenty-three direct from the university 
cannot enter at the foot, not only because he does not know 
how to perform humble duties, but because he has to unlearn 
so much that he has learned. He is unfitted to begin at the 
foot of the ladder ; besides, when a young man is furnished 
with a certificate from a leading professor that his education is 
finished, it is exceedingly difficult to bring him to the knowl- 
edge of the fact that the professor is all wrong and that his 
education is just about to begin. {Applause}) 

There is something supremely absurd in keeping under 
tutelage at school one whom the law has long proclaimed a 
man and has invested with all the rights of citizenship for 
years — a man far beyond the twenty-one years of his major- 
ity. Imagine the university student asking for leave of 
absence. " What for ?" asks the professor. " To vote for Presi- 
dent," says the man-boy. " No, sir," replies his teacher, " you 
failed in your Greek roots this morning." In the past genera- 
tion young men were not kept until late in life at school or 
college. The present system is a complete change ; for three 
of the most distinguished professors of Columbia College, for 
instance, Renwick, Anderson and Anthon, graduated when 
they were sixteen and seventeen years of age. The Hon. 
Abram S. Hewitt explains that he did not graduate until he 
was twenty, because he started upon his course in college two 
years later than these men ; and I have the highest authority 
for stating that not one of these professors could have obtained 
entrance to Harvard to-day when they graduated from Colum- 
bia. In other words, the present university seizes the young 
man at the time of life when the university of the past thought 
it best to launch him upon life. 

I have no hesitation in stating that any young man or 
young woman fortunate enough to have to make his or her 
own way in the world chooses wisely by making an early 
start. I believe that three or four years spent at that time of 
life would be unwisely spent in trying to obtain all that a uni- 
versity gives to its graduates. I hear it often said that every 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 43 1 

business man who has not received a university education 
wishes in after-life that he had. There is truth in this. I 
know that they regret every day that they did not learn some- 
thing or other. One wishes that he could converse fluently 
in French, and that he could play the piano like Paderewski, 
and that he could sing like Fisher ; that he knew more of the 
gems of classical literature ; of the history of the past ; but it 
is impossible in this busy age for a man to have every accom- 
plishment or to fathom all knowledge, and I do not know of 
any good thing that men have learned which they would 
exchange for any different thing which a university would 
have given in its place. 

Of course, in all that I say in regard to the present sys- 
tem of education in our universities, I refer to its influence 
upon those who have to make their living. If any young 
man has special abilities and tastes for the pursuit of knowl- 
edge in any branch, and has the means to pursue that as his 
life-work, is removed from the necessity of making his own 
living, and can devote himself to original research, to any of 
the professions in which pecuniary returns maybe disregarded, 
my strictures upon continued years of school education, if 
he find that profitable, have no reference to him. But such 
men are exceptional and will follow their own bent and obtain 
knowledge in their own way. The university may be so 
changed as to be adapted to the scholarly few. 

All things are improving in this age. It is the best age 
for a man to live in that ever existed. Wrongs are so quickly 
exposed ; changes are so rapidly effected ; the world is mov- 
ing forward at such a rapid pace that we may all congratulate 
ourselves that we live in a period of activity hitherto unequaled. 
Our fathers remembered the introduction of illuminating gas ; 
to-day we see the brilliant star of electricity arise with un- 
thought-of wonders in her train. We see the age of iron giv- 
ing place to the age of steel, and in the intellectual world 
what wonders have not come in our time ! There is pro- 
gress everywhere. In this universal movement forward, no 



432 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

long-established system is being more vigorously attacked 
throughout the world than the classical university system of 
education. The charge against it is grave, indeed, no less serious 
than that at the most impressionable period of life the univer- 
sity persists in withdrawing the mind of the young man as 
much as possible from this country, its institutions and his- 
tory; from the knowledge of the great movements of the 
present ; from the affairs of to-day, and casts it into the dark 
history of the past, which can chiefly teach only that which 
should be avoided, not what the young should adopt as their 
example and inspiration. The young German Emperor has 
recently told a body of these mistaken professors : — 

" It is our duty to educate young men to become young 
Germans, and not young Greeks and Romans. We must 
relinquish the basis which has been the rule for centuries, the 
old monastic education of the Middle Ages, when Latin and a 
little Greek were most important. These are no longer our 
standard ; we must make German the basis, and German com- 
position must be made the centre around which everything 
else revolves." 

You have an authority at home in Philadelphia worthy to 
be quoted with any ruler of men, the founder of the Wharton 
School, who is also to be honored by and hailed as another 
true disciple of the gospel of wealth. He says : — 

" A vague uneasiness exists, a persistent doubt which our 
question formulates, whether all this complex machinery of 
education is doing what is really best for those young men 
who intend engaging in ordinary business life ; whether it is 
not better for them to go into the training of practical life at 
the age proper for entering college. It is a doubt springing in 
great part from the flagrant fact that college life and college 
instruction do not train or equip a man for ordinary business, 
as the schools of law, divinity, medicine, mining and engineer- 
ing train and equip their students." Even at the most vener- 
able of these monastic seats of learning, Oxford and Cam- 
bridge, the attack has almost reached success. Old England 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 433 

is rising to a just estimate of the grievous wrong done in the 
past by those who have controlled the education of the people. 
Last year a motion against the compulsory study of dead lan- 
guages was barely lost; but this year — for the battle can end 
only when victory is attained — it is expected to succeed. It 
is certain that only a few short years are to pass before these 
useless dead languages are no longer required; and just as 
sure as the sun shines, as the dead go down and are buried, 
our own living literature will ascend, and as the university 
student knows less of the problems of the past, he will learn 
more and more of life-needs of to-day ; as he drops the dead 
past he will take hold of the living present. {Applause}) Sir, 
every man and woman is responsible for the performance of 
the pressing duties of his day and generation. The past ages 
are not ours, and we know not the future; our duty is to 
equip ourselves for the demands of our own age. In the 
great reform, nay, the revolution which is impending in edu- 
cation, such colleges as Peirce Business College, and the 
numerous scientific and technical schools that are everywhere 
springing up, are to be credited with playing an important 
part. The stream of youth which passes through these insti- 
tutions year after year, and proves by indisputable success 
the superiority of training they have undergone, is rapidly 
undermining the walls of narrow prejudice, of devotion to 
the past, within which our universities have been intrenched. 
We are sure of victory, for the university is already upon the 
defensive. The founding and extension of scientific and 
manual training schools among them prove that at last even 
these citadels of conservatism have to move forward. I ven- 
ture the prediction that within a few years the American 
student in the university will be taught primarily the English 
language, literature, political institutions of his own country, 
and the useful knowledge for to-day's needs, and although he 
cannot possibly know much less of Hebrew, Latin and Greek 
than he now does, if he knows anything, he will know more 
of the best of all literature — his own — and of the glorious 



434 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

heroes of his own race, and will worship higher ideals than 
can be furnished by any race of the past. He will be made 
an American, not a Greek or Roman, and he will enter upon 
his career ere he attains manhood. After twenty the world 
will be his school. He will not be a less highly educated 
man, but far better educated than the university graduate of 
to-day. 

I am reminded of a story, this moment, of a rich old 
farmer who determined to have the fastest driving horse in 
his county. He went to Kentucky; was first shown over a 
long stable containing the famous sires of the past; next he 
was shown over the young colts, from which great things 
were expected. But the old farmer said : " Stranger, you have 
shown me the old ' have-dones ' of the past, and the young 
'going-to-dos' of the future, but what I am after to-day is an 
'is-er.'" (Laughter?) I trust, young ladies and gentlemen, 
that in your future; careers you will show that you are not of 
the past, ignorant of all that is useful, and also that you have 
not been prepared to be members of a generation beyond your 
own, that Doctor Peirce has trained you to be "is-ers" (the 
Wharton School and the Drexel Institute are to do the same) 
— men and women fit to perform the duties of the present, 
and not troubling yourselves about a past which is gone, nor 
about a future which belongs not to you, but to your 
successors. 

I earnestly hope, members of the graduating class, that 
you are born to the best of all heritages — that of honest 
poverty, and that we may confidently believe that unless you 
do labor you cannot eat. My earnest hope is that no foolish 
parent or relative is to burden you with wealth. The " almighty 
dollar" bequeathed to the young is generally an almighty 
curse ; it deadens their energies, destroys their ambition, 
tempts them to destruction, and renders it almost impossible 
that they should lead lives creditable to themselves or valuable 
to the State. Such as are not deadened by wealth, however, 
deserve double credit, for they have double temptation. Bishop 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 435 

Potter, of New York, who officiated to-day at the Drexel 
ceremony, and who is ever in the front for every good cause, 
said, the other night, at the Chamber of Commerce dinner: 
41 The effect of a great inheritance upon children, whether in 
prospect or possession, is seldom healthful. It is apt to take 
away the stimulus to mental or physical exertion, and to 
weaken, if it does not debase, the character. Is it not better 
for every boy who comes to man's estate that he should be 
made to carve for himself the fortune he would fain possess ? 
Will he be the same man if he comes into a fortune by his 
father that he would be if left to take his place in the ranks 
and struggle for himself? " 

Mr. Gladstone, last week, finely pointed out that, in the 
Providence of God, there was a place, an honorable place, 
provided for the poorest and humblest laborer, but that the 
one man or woman for whom there was no honorable place 
is the wealthy idler. There is no influence so potent in pro- 
ducing the tastes that make this class as the present university 
life, tone and education. I trust you are never to become 
Wealthy, save as the result of many years of useful toil. 
Believe me, young men and women, there is no true happiness 
in life, nor proper self-respect, without the performance of 
useful duties, without earnest labor in some useful department 
of human endeavor. I trust that every one of you will have 
to work, and work hard and long for your living. (Sensation') 

A few worc(s to you, young men and women, before 
closing. Everybody wants to preach to the young, and tell 
you to be good and you will be happy; to be sober and 
industrious and you will prosper. The one thing of which 
you will experience no lack is advice, and all of it probably 
will be more or less valuable. I shall not enter far upon that 
field, but confine myself to giving you, from a business man's 
standpoint, a few rules applicable to graduates from a business 
college, which, I believe, lie at the root of business success. 

To you, young ladies, it is unnecessary to give advice. 
The young woman who has graduated in a business college 



436 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

has given evidence of exceptional qualities, which, in them- 
selves, will enable her to perform her part in life well. From 
the discipline she has undergone, the practical knowledge she 
has obtained, she will make a better daughter, a better wife 
by far, and tenfold a better mother. There is no improving 
companionship for man in an ignorant or frivolous woman. I 
have no fear of your future, and no advice to give you except 
to continue as you have begun. 

For you, young men, your presence here shows nothing 
exceptional, your future is yet doubtful, the temptations are 
many, but you have made a good start ; you are well armed 
for the struggle of life. I will give you in a few words the 
rocks ahead which I think you must avoid if you would 
succeed. 

First. — Never enter a bar-room. Do not drink liquor as 
a beverage. I shall not paint the evil of drunkenness or the 
moral crime, but I suggest to you that it is low, common, to 
enter a bar-room — unworthy of a graduate of Peirce College. 
{Applause!) 

Second. — You should not use tobacco ; not that it is 
morally wrong — except in so far as it is used in excess and 
injures health, which the medical faculty declare it does — but 
the use of tobacco requires young men to withdraw themselves 
from the society of women to indulge the habit. I think the 
absence of women from any assembly tends to lower the tone 
of that assembly. The habit of smoking tends to carry the 
young into the society of men whom it is not desirable that 
Peirce College graduates should choose as their intimate asso- 
ciates. The practice of chewing tobacco was once common ; 
now it is considered offensive, and I believe the race is soon to 
take another step forward, and that the coming graduate is to 
form part of a community which will consider smoking as 
offensive as chewing is now considered. 

Third. — Having entered upon work, continue in that 
work,; fight it out on that line, except in extreme cases, for it 
matters little what avenue a young man finds first, success can 



PEJ.RCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 437 

be attained in any branch of human labor. There is always 
room at the top in every pursuit. Concentrate all your energy 
and thought upon the performance of your duties. Put all 
your eggs in one basket and then watch that basket. Do not 
scatter your shot. The man who is director in half a dozen 
banks, half a dozen railroads and three or four manufacturing 
companies rarely amounts to much. He may be director of 
many, but these should all be of the one kind which he under- 
stands. The great successes in life are made by concentration. 
Do not think you have done your full duty when you have 
performed the work assigned you. You will never rise if you 
only do this. Promotion comes from exceptional work ; you 
must discover where your employer's interests can be served 
beyond the range of your special work ; and whenever you 
see his interests suffer, or wherever his interests can be pro- 
moted, in your opinion, tell him so ; differ from him upon what 
you think his mistakes. You will never make much of a suc- 
cess if you do not learn the needs and opportunities of your 
branch much better than your employer can possibly do. 
You have been told, " Obey orders if you break owners." Do 
no such foolish thing. If your employer starts upon a course 
which you think will prove injurious, tell him so and protest ; 
give your reasons, and stand by them, unless convinced you 
are wrong. 

Fourth. — Whatever your salary be, save a little; live 
within your means. The heads of banks, lawyers' offices, 
physicians' offices, insurance, mills, factories, are not seeking 
capital, they are seeking brains and business habits. The 
man who saves a little from his income has given the surest 
indication of the very qualities that every employer is seeking 
for. 

FiftJi. — Never speculate. (Sensation}) Never buy or sell 
stocks upon a margin on the stock market. If you have 
savings, invest them in solid securities until you embark upon 
the business you have learned. The man who gambles upon 
the Stock Exchange is just in the condition of the man who 



438 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

gambles at the gaming table. He rarely, if ever, makes a. 
permanent gain. His judgment goes ; his faculties are sapped,, 
and his end, as a rule, is nervous prostration after an unworthy, 
useless life. 

If you ever enter business for yourself never endorse for 
others, because it is dishonest. All your resources and all 
your credit are the sacred property of men who have trusted 
you, and until you have surplus cash and owe no man it is. 
dishonest to give your name as endorser to others. Do not 
make riches but usefulness your first aim, and let your chief 
pride be that your daily occupation is in the line of progress- 
and development ; that your work, in whatever capacity it may 
be, is useful work, honestly conducted, and as such ennobles 
your life. To sum up, do not drink, do not smoke, do not en- 
dorse, do not speculate ; earn and keep your own good opinion, 
and you need have no fear about obtaining the good opinion 
of others ; concentrate, perform more than your prescribed 
duties ; be strictly honest in word and deed, and you cannot 
fail ; and may you all be as happy, as prosperous and live as 
long as I wish you ; and remember always that it is impossible 
for any one to be cheated out of an honorable career unless 
he cheats himself. 

Good-bye — success to you — bon voyage — never say fail.. 
(Loud and prolonged applause?) 



/\ddrQSS of F^pir^eipal Poip©o 

TO THE 

Grp&duatiqg ©lass. 



Ladies and Gentlemen of the Graduating Class :— 
As is our custom, we have provided for you a regular address 
from a well-trained platform speaker, but the Faculty insist 
that their relations with you and mine with you are such that 
in addition to the regular address something should be said by 
me in their behalf as well as in my own ; that we should, for 
ourselves, have the privilege of saying " God speed " to you. 
This I do most heartily, and add thereto words which I have 
found in a book to which I frequently refer, and never without 
comfort, used by Peter in his Second General Epistle to the 
early Church. This is our prayer and wish, as he expressed 
himself in that epistle : — 

" Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the 
knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. 

" According as His divine power hath given unto us all 
things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowl- 
edge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue ; 

" Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious 
promises ; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine 
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world 
through lust. 

" And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith 
virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge; 

" And to knowledge, temperance ; and to temperance, 
patience ; and to patience, godliness ; 



440 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

" And to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly 
kindness, charity. 

" For if these things be in you, and abound, they make 
you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the 
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

" But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot 
see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his 
old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to 
make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, 
ye shall never fall : 

" For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abun- 
dantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ." 

And so may it be with each one of you. Amen. 



I°POSoqtatioq of ©ollogo ©oIops 

Do@top l°©ip©o 

Thjorqas W. BaploW, Esq. 



Dr. Peirce : — To-night I bring you a message from a 
host of tongues. Those whom I represent are not all here, 
indeed, most of them are absent. 

From all the busy marts of trade, from all the counting- 
rooms of merchants and the desks of banks, from over the 
books of the busy manufacturer, from offices of law and medi- 
cine and from schools and colleges, wherever honest labor of 
brawn and mind is enriching and building up nations and peo- 
ple ; in fine, wherever may be found the Peirce College gradu- 
ate, either under our own dear flag or beyond the seas, I 
gather inspiration for this message of affectionate regard and 
respect. 

We still treasure memories of your wise counsel and 
your friendly helps when we were venturing upon the untried 
paths of business and professional affairs. We have tested 
your friendship and found you true. 

But more than this, as a gentleman of courtly sense, a 
citizen of lofty character, a teacher of ripe scholarship, and a 
man of broad, generous and humane impulses, you have been 
to your students and graduates, to your friends and fellow-citi- 
zens an example and an inspiration for good. 



44 2 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

These colors, which I have the honor to present to you in 
behalf of your students and graduates and the alumni of 
this College, are intended to be expressive of our affectionate 
regard and a recognition of the just merit which should be 
accorded you. 

To this I wish to add a sentiment which I am sure will 
meet with a response in the hearts of the host of friends 

before us : — 

"May he live 
Longer than I have time to tell his years. 
Ever beloved and loving may his rule be, 
And, when old Time shall lead him to his end, 
Goodness and he fill up one monument." 

(Applause^) 



Doetop l°oip@o. 



My Dear Old Graduates and Members of the Pres- 
ent Graduating Class and Undergraduates of the Cur- 
rent College Year : — I stand to-night upholding the colors 
of the College which you have selected, and I pledge you my 
past life and record as an earnest that I will endeavor to 
uphold them through whatever tempests and conflicts of life I 
yet may have to pass. I am pleased to know that it has 
entered into your hearts to have colors. We are nearly 
twenty-seven years of age, and it is about time we had shown 
our colors. I see here you have the gold, and not inaptly 
placed there. For we are in business for gold. But not in 
any vulgar sense. The essayist and the philosopher may, in 
their lofty moods, talk of the vulgarity of the almighty dollar, 
but for that the mariner tempts the main, the railroad manager 
and the bank president pore over ledgers and exercise their 
best ability to promote enterprises of vast extent. Let us get 
gold, but let us do it wisely. The unwisdom is in how we get 
it and the use we make of it after we get it. 

But I see you anticipate me. Here, too, is the white. So 
I suppose you have made up your minds to get your gold 
with your records white. And gold acquired with records 
white is gold wisely acquired. 

And then I notice that next is the purple — the royal pur- 
ple. Get the gold, and get it with white records, and my 
word for it, you will wear the royal purple, because you will 
be the sons of a king — King Emmanuel. 



444 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Now, I thank you from a full heart, but I shall not attempt 
to voice the tender sentiments that you have awakened within 
me. For I thoroughly believe in that doctrine that Mr. Car- 
negie announced here to-night, that life is full of sentiment, 
and when you take the sentiment away you take the flesh and 
blood and leave nothing but the skeleton. {Applause.) 



r^orrictpl^s 4 
T^Ip. TOolaq, 

INTRODUCING 

Cohort <J. ©lardotte, 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — The next exercise on the pro- 
gramme is an address to the graduates by the Rev. Dr, Hul- 
burd. I regret exceedingly to announce to you that we are 
in receipt of information that Dr. Hulburd has been suddenly 
and seriously taken ill. We have, however, a gentleman 
present who has kindly promised to say to you what we 
believe Dr. Hulburd would have said — Mr. Burdette. 



OF 

I^obort d. Kupdotto, 



During a long and useful life upon the platform, I believe 
I have never yet asked the indulgence of an audience for a 
single moment under any circumstances. I always go out 
when called upon, do as badly as I know how and retire with 
the proud consciousness that nobody in the whole wide world 
can do it any worse. But if I have ever been tempted to ask 
for a moment's indulgence, it is to-night. Suppose you were 
cast to play the part of the Second Grave-digger in " Hamlet," 
and after you had gotten the raiment of the clown upon you 
and the paint upon your face, the manager had come to you 
and said, " Here, wash off that paint and change your make- 
up. Mr. Booth has been taken suddenly ill and you will have 
to play Hamlet!' Now, that is the way I feel to-night, to be 
asked to say to you what I think Dr. Hulburd would have 
said to you. Why, I cannot do that. If Dr. Hulburd was 
here he would speak to you out of the wealth of his culti- 
vated mind, out of the love of his generous heart, out of the 
tenderness of the ministry to which he has been properly 
called and which he has so nobly and beautifully filled. He 
would speak to you words that would drop into your hearts 
to be remembered forever. He would speak to you words 
fitly spoken that would be " apples of gold in pictures of 
silver." I cannot say to you what he would have said if he 
were here. And then the word comes to us at a very late 
moment that his condition has changed critically, so that he 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 447 

seems to be lingering very near to the portals that open 
inward to the temple of all wisdom and infinite knowledge, of 
pure and fadeless truth. So that while I speak to you to-night 
in his place your hearts will go away from here to the sick- 
room ; you will stand in thought and sympathy by the side 
of the man to whose thoughts you had expected to listen 
to-night. Now, I do not know that I ought to have any very 
particular sympathy on that account. Because it is a part of 
your life that you are going to enter into that whatever you 
are going to do you will have to do not once, not scores, but 
hundreds of times. You will have to do it with aching hearts 
and troubled and weary brains and tired bodies. You never 
can do work just when you feel like it and just when you want 
to. You will have to work under all circumstances, at all 
times. Whether you are prepared for it or not you will have 
to work. So I want you to pick out the best of the very few 
good things I am going to say to you, and remember that they 
belong to Dr. Hulburd, if you please, and only attribute the 
nonsense to me. There was a young fellow down in Nan- 
tucket one time who wanted to make his sweetheart a present 
of an engagement ring, and he asked his father what would 
be a good motto to engrave in it, and the old man said this 
would be a good one : " When this you see, remember me." 
So, not long after, his sweetheart was astonished to receive 
from him a handsome ring, in which was engraved these 
words : " When this you see, remember father." (Laughter^) 
So, when you think of my speech, remember Dr. Hulburd, if 
you please. 

Now, young ladies and gentlemen of '91 (and, as Ike 
Marvel says, that is a terrific age for a girl, but I assure you 
you don't look half of it), you will come out to-night. You 
stand on the threshold of life. Don't stand there long. Don't 
knock. Come right in. We will welcome you to a great, 
big-hearted world. We who have lived in this world long 
enough to acquire a residence will try to make it pleasant for 
you. And one of the first things that will astonish you is 



44-8 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

that the world knows so many things that you do not. That 
struck me dumb when I first came out into it. I expected 
the world to know some things after I had rustled around in 
it for awhile, but to find that it had something to teach me, 
that fooled me. I felt like the boy who was watching the pro- 
cess of the hatching of a little chicken under an incubator. 
The father said, " Is it not wonderful, my son, that the chicken 
comes out of the egg?" " No," said the boy, " I can see well 
enough how it comes out, but what fools me is how did the 
beggar get in." It will not surprise you so much that the 
world will know a little after you have taught it some things, 
but how the information got to it before you got out will 
astonish you. Because you are bringing a great deal of infor- 
mation into the world, a great deal more than you really are 
aware of. I think you know more now than most people. 
You know more to-night than you ever will again, I think. I 
assure you, in all kindliness of spirit and heart, that you will 
know less as you grow older. You won't know more. Don't 
expect that. You will believe more, by and by. You will 
think more. You will have a broader faith in men and a 
broader faith in human possibilities. You will have a broader 
belief in almost everything. But you will never again in all 
your lives know so tranquilly, perfectly, heartily and confi- 
dently so much as you do to-night. (Laughter.) But you 
will get rid of it. That is, of all the superfluous, superabun- 
dant knowledge. It will hurt. It is like having a tooth 
pulled, to lay off stratum after stratum of knowledge that lies 
upon you and presses upon you like geological strata to-night. 
It is terrible to get rid of it. It is hard to let go of old, 
cherished ideas, of things we have fondly believed. The girls 
will get rid of it more easily than the boys will. It does hurt 
a boy to give up knowing what he has known. How will you 
get rid of it? By simply using it/keeping it on exhibition — 
it deteriorates on exposure to the air. 

And then, when all of it is gone that you have no use 
for, the rest of it will be good, and you can start on with that, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 449 

and you will make a right start. And there is a great deal 
in starting right — in having a good definition before you enter 
on your discussion — in knowing what you are undertaking to 
do. One time a woman told her husband there was some- 
thing wrong with the clock because it had stopped, and he sat 
up all night to examine it, and could not find what was the 
trouble. In the morning his wife said to him, " Did you find 
what the trouble was ? " " No," he said, " I sat up until half- 
past two o'clock this morning taking it apart, and it took me 
all the rest of the night to put it together again, and I did not 
find out what ailed it." " Well," she said, "just before I went 
to sleep I remembered what it was — I had forgot to wind it." 
{Laughter}) Now, before you tinker with your clock be sure 
you have wound it. 

One thing I want you to be careful about ; I want you to 
be careful with yourselves. I want you to take good, good 
care of yourselves. Do that. Be as selfish as you know 
how to be. I do not give you this advice in an unselfish 
mood at all, I give it because all the people about here have 
an interest in you. We have invested in you a great deal. 
We have banked upon you very heavily. I don't know but 
what we have gone into perhaps what Mr. Carnegie would 
call " a little wild-cat speculation " on you. Well, you say 
you don't know ; you belong to yourselves ; that you are 
out in the world now, and that the world owes you a living 
and you are going to have it. No, no ; the world does not 
owe you a living. Now, you are better bookkeepers than I 
am. You are experts, some of you. If you think the world 
owes you a living, you will have to show us the items now 
and show us how the world already comes to be in your 
debt for a living. There are some very old men who have 
had to scratch hard for a living all their lives. The world 
has a living in it for you, but you cannot collect it as a debt. 
You can get it if you sit up late and scratch and toil and 
wait for it, but you cannot collect it. The world doesn't 
owe you a dollar now. Now. look at it. You start in life 



450 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

hampered and burdened, every last one of you, with a very 
grievous debt. You are a valuable property, but you are 
mortgaged up to your full value, possibly a little bit beyond 
it. We people who hold the outstanding mortgages have an 
interest in you, and we want you to understand that you 
have no right to allow the property to waste either by neglect 
or through wilful damage on your part. You are awfully in 
debt. Why, it costs from six to fifteen and twenty dollars a 
week to get a trained nurse from the school of nursing, and 
then she is not equal to your mother. Now just look it over 
for the years of your life when your mother had all charge 
concerning you, and see how much her column amounts to. 
And then the cost of your raiment from the time this whole 
class dressed exactly alike and every one of you wore long 
dresses. The cost of your clothing from that time until 
to-day would fit out the City Troop with uniforms for a half a 
dozen weddings and a high-caste funeral. It would array in 
gorgeous raiment, such as Solomon did not wear in all his 
glory and would not have worn if he could, half a dozen 
lecturers on dress reform. And your board bill ! If your 
board bill for all the time you have lived at home was pre- 
sented to you to-night you would fall down dead on the 
floor. 

Now, you see that about the best you can do is to pay 
interest on these things a little while before you get it turned 
over so that we are in your debt. When we made these 
investments in you it was a sort of wild-cat affair. When we 
speculated on you — to speak in the language of the western 
part of our State, from whence Mr. Carnegie comes to us — 
we did not know whether, locating you outside of the improved 
territory, you were going to turn out a " spouter," a "thousand- 
barrel gusher " or a " dry and thirsty duster." {Laughter}) 

Why, when we began to put money in you — when we 
took up the first stock that was issued on you — it was quoted 
above par then, with daily assessments and no dividends, and 
no show of any. We didn't have even the security of your 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 45 I 

endorsed promissory note. Not a bit of it. The investment 
we made on you at that time was a life insurance on a con- 
sumptive man with ossification of the heart, enlargement of the 
liver, no constitution and only one lung. It was a life insur- 
ance on a bold and reckless and daring soldier in the midst 
of a bloody war in a sickly climate. You hadn't a thing in 
the world then, and daily and hourly you were liable to have 
every last thing we didn't want you to have. [Laughter) 
There was a list of things that you were subject to as long as 
the pension list, and, like the pension list, it was growing right 
along, because every week the doctors, who had nothing else 
to do, discovered some new complaint that you might have, 
from tetter on the crown of your scalp down to ingrowing 
nails on your tootsie-wootsies. You were running a gauntlet 
of dangers and diseases like running an Indian gauntlet. 
You touched some of them, and many of them you did not 
touch, but every one of them hit at you as you went by. 

Now, was not that trust on our part ? Didn't we have 
faith in you, to take care of you as we did ? Was it not a 
reckless speculation ? Why, as Hopkinson Smith says, in his 
charming story, " Colonel Carter of Cartersville," " You 
couldn't go into a lunatic asylum of millionaires and get a 
man to take ten dollars in a speculation of that sort " on any 
other grounds than that. 

So we trusted in you ; believed in you ; invested in you. 

Then you go out into the world w r ith another debt upon 
you, and that is the debt you owe to this school. You cannot 
say that you paid your tuition and received your instruction, 
because you could not have got the instruction for that much 
money if you had tried to get it yourselves. You got the 
lives and time and brain and thoughts and hearts of all the 
Faculty. That is what you got for the tuition fee. So you got 
something you will never be able to pay back. Now, we 
want you to pay interest on these mortgages. You will never 
pay them off entirely. Mortgages of this sort are like the 
national debt. They are a sort of investment like a nine 



452 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

hundred and ninety-nine years' lease. That is what makes 
you such valuable property. That is why you are worth so 
much, and why we want you to be careful of yourselves and 
good to yourselves. You ! Why, as an investment, the whole 
Traction Company doesn't amount to a 'bus line alongside of 
you. The Brush Electric Light Company is only a tallow 
candle when it stands up by you in the matter of investment. 
You are valuable. Pay interest now, as you go along, and by 
and by, as you prosper, please God, you may be able to do 
what this distinguished exponent of practical education who 
has talked to you to-night has done — you may pay compound 
interest on compound interest. Well might he talk of prac- 
tical education, when a thousand books in scores of libraries 
daily and hourly are crying aloud to all the world, with all 
their wealth of classical learning, of teaching and translated 
lore from all tongues, " Look into us and see how an honest 
man pays the debts he owes to God and humanity and the 
town that he loves, even if he never lived in it." That you 
may do sometime. {Applause}) 

Long ago, before there were many libraries in the world ; 
long ago, before the world was under a debt of obligation 
and gratitude and thankfulness to Andrew Carnegie ; long, 
long ago, when everybody went to church and to commercial 
college and to the law school, all at one time, and the only 
school in the world was a tent in the wilderness ; when peo- 
ple went to the Tabernacle to read the only book they had, 
and it was a local history that told the whole history of the 
world and of all the races of mankind in fewer lines than 
there are chapters in the last history of Montgomery county; 
when the people lived in those old and simple days, they 
had one happy, beautiful, good custom among them. Every 
seventh year was a year of release, when they divided up and 
started over again with a great many things ; and every 
fiftieth year was a grand day of jubilee, when everything was 
straightened out and every fellow had his share in the new 
divide, and those who were left took first place, or, at least 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 453 

got an even start with all the rest of them. And then, by the 
time the next jubilee came around, I know my ancestor was 
in debt, and some Jay Gould owned all the private bridle-paths 
from Dan to Beersheba, as is always the case. And at that 
time men who had been in slavery were freed, and liberty was 
proclaimed throughout all the land and to all the inhabitants 
thereof. But once in a while there was a man who had served 
a master whose loving hand was filled with bounty even while 
it measured out to him exacting tasks and hard toil and daily 
labor. And this man saw that that service was sweet, and 
that the house of his master was dear to him. And when 
that day of release came, and they told him that this was the 
day of his freedom, he sent for the judges, and in their presence 
he laid his face against the lintel of his master's doorpost, his 
master pierced his ear with an awl, and for one fleeting second 
pinned him to the side of the door ; and forever that man was 
bondman and serf to his own chosen master. 

You have served your time and you have performed your 
task in the days of your scholarship at Peirce College of 
Business. You have served well and faithfully, and you part, 
you and your masters, with mutual esteem and affection. 

Now, take one word of advice from me. It is the only 
advice I have given you. You do what I tell you and you 
will never have any trouble — with me. {Laughter}) Now, 
this is to be your jubilee. This is your night. This is the 
hour of your freedom. This is the time when the world 
stands up and lets you have the platform to yourselves and 
watches you going forth conquering and to conquer. Now, 
just for one little minute before you go out of this house 
come close under the folds of the flag which you have chosen 
so wisely. Look with prophetic hearts and prophetic eyes 
upon it as though it was to wave over you forever in your 
journey through life; as though it measured out your day, 
which it does beautifully — the cloudless gold of the sunshine 
as it first kisses the earth in the morning — the clear, pure white 
light and splendor of glowing noonday — the royal purple of 



454 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the sun that gilds the skies and glorifies the earth when it 
goes down. And no shadow of night, no touch even of twilight 
in all that flag. It is a flag of light. Look at it lovingly. 
Lay your faces and your hearts lovingly against this lintel of 
the door of the College of Business, which you have learned 
to love, just for one moment more. Consecrate yourselves to its 
work. And then go out into the world with this inspiration, 
that you are still servants of the College from which you 
graduate to-night. Go out into the world and carry on the 
work it has taught you to do so well. Go out with loving 
hearts, ever true to this task-mistress who has been tender and 
bountiful and good to you, forever more, so long as you live, 
bondmen and bondmaidens to wisdom. And she will bring 
to you length of days, riches and honor, " an ornament of 
grace for your head and for you all a crown of glory." 

Good-bye. God speed you, and God bless you all. 

(Hearty applause) 



Annual Graduating Exercises 



Peirce School of Business and Shorthand 



AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC 



PHILADELPHIA, PA, 



Friday Evening, December 30, 1892, 



AT 7.30 O'CLOCK, 



ON COMPLETION OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH SCHOOL YEAR. 



-S» PROGRAMME -^ 

Friday KVei^ii7g, Dec. 30, 1892 

MUSIC BY THE 

Germania Orchestra, 

BEGINNING AT 7.30 O'CLOCK. 

CHARLES M. SCHMITZ, Conductor. 



MARCH— "Belle of Chicago," SOUSA 

SELECTION— "Robin Hood," DeKovan 

WALTZ— "j^zVz Bella," Rceder •. 

MARCH— "Somerset," WiEGAND 

FACULTY, GRADUATES AND GUESTS ENTER. 

Prayer by Rev. WILLIAM N. McVICKAR, D. D. 

MUSIC— "Berceuse," GOUNOD 

Introductory Remarks by the Presiding Officer, 
His Honor, MAYOR STUART. 

MUSIC— SELECTION— "Wang," Morse 

Annual Address, Hon. CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW, LL. D. 

MUSIC— XYLOPHONE SOLO, Stobbe 

Presentation of Diplomas, 
Principal THOMAS MAY PEIRCE, A. M., Ph D. 

MUSIC—" Wedding Bells," Strauss 

Address to Graduates, Rev. MERRITT HULBURD, D. D. 

MUSIC— "La Bella Espagnola," Toban; 

Benediction, Rev. JOHN THOMPSON, Dean. 

MUSIC— "For Fame and Fortune" Dietrich 



List of Graduates, ©lass of '92. 



Business ©oupss. 

Alexander, Anna Mary Pennsylvania. 

Althen, Mary Ann Pennsylvania. 

Althouse, Elmer Ellsworth Pennsylvania. 

Anderson, William Hunter Pennsylvania. 

Battle, Rosamond Warren New Jersey. 

Bay, Charles Pennsylvania. 

Betz, Adolph Pennsylvania. 

Bishop, Jacob Vansciver New Jersey. 

Boileau, Clarence Alfred Pennsylvania. 

Bonner, Michael Augustine Pennsylvania. 

Bowers, Margaret Ida Pennsylvania. 

Boyer, Warren Grant* Pennsylvania. 

Bradley, Thomas, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Bright, Thomas Roberts Pennsylvania. 

Brough, Alfred Walter Pennsylvania. 

Brunner, Isaac Weston Pennsylvania. 

Buckwalter, Abram Lincoln Pennsylvania. 

Budd, Horace Rulon New Jersey. 

Buob, Edwin Lee Pennsylvania. 

Chilcott, John Baseman Pennsylvania. 

Christie, Anna Gertrude Pennsylvania. 

Cohen, Esther Pennsylvania. 

Conn, William James Pennsylvania. 

Crowther, Saville Anthony Pennsylvania. 

Daub, Joseph Wenhold Pennsylvania. 

Davis, Madeleine Emily Pennsylvania. 

DeHayen, Joseph Pauling Pennsylvania. 

Deininger, Elizabeth Emma Pennsylvania. 

Detwiler, Harvey Pennsylvania. 

Deyanay, Richard Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Dickinson, Albert Walter Pennsylvania. 

Dickinson, William Arland New Jersey. 

Doan, James Irwin Pennsylvania. 

Donovan, William Mason. . Pennsylvania. 

Dotterer, Horace Reiff Pennsylvania. 

Dougherty, Nellie Josephine Pennsylvania. 

* Deceased 



45§ ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Eagle, Charles Kane Pennsylvania. 

Frame, Thomas James Pennsylvania. 

Franz, Henry Maurice Pennsylvania. 

Gans, Sigmund Leon Pennsylvania. 

Gehris, Milton David Pennsylvania. 

Godfrey, Andrew Pennsylvania. 

Goldstein, Hannah Pennsylvania. 

Good, Orrin Satterlee Pennsylvania. 

Gotwals, Elias DetWiler Pennsylvania. 

Grace, Carroll Brewster Pennsylvania. 

Green, Abram Ruben Pennsylvania. 

Greenawalt, Clarence Durell Pennsylvania. 

Guckes, Philip Ellsworth Pennsylvania. 

Hass, Flora Nuss Pennsylvania. 

Hager, Annie Katherine New Jersey. 

Haman, Harry Pennsylvania. 

Hampton, Leon New Jersey. 

Hannum, Samuel Smith Pennsylvania. 

Hanthorn, Howard Samuel New Jersey. 

Harry, Alice Beans Pennsylvania. 

Hartman, Thomas Wolf New Jersey. 

Harwood, John Joseph Maryland. 

Hausman, Marguerite E Pennsylvania. 

Hersh, Harry Herman Pennsylvania. 

Herzberg, Walter Pennsylvania. 

Hillpot, Minnie New Jersey. 

Hogan, Katie Cecilia Pennsylvania. 

Holmes, Sarah Pennsylvania. 

Hudson, Isaac James Virginia. 

Hutman, Nellie Virginia Pennsylvania. 

Jacobs, Alfred Edward Pennsylvania. 

Jacobs, John Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Jones, Minnie J Pennsylvania. 

Keech, Clifford Morris Pennsylvania. 

Kirkbride, Howard N New Jersey. 

Klenk, Harry Jacob . ' Pennsylvania. 

Lange, Anna Martha Pennsylvania. 

Lankford, Milton Stewart Maryland. 

Little, John Pennsylvania. 

Lowber, Anna Delaware. 

McAdams, Catherine A New Jersey. 

McCaughan, William James Pennsylvania. 

McConnell, Matthew Henry Pennsylvania. 

McFadden, Patrick Charles Pennsylvania. 

McKee, Charles Woodward • .Pennsylvania. 

Mauger, Frank LeRoy Pennsylvania. 

Maull, Sarah Elizabeth L Pennsylvania. 

Medford, William Hutchin Maryland. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 4$9 

Miller, Charles Taylor New Jersey. 

Miller, Joseph Benjamin Pennsylvania. 

Miller, Richard James Pennsylvania. 

Moffett, Louis Burdelle New Jersey. 

Mosser, Samuel Shuck Pennsylvania. 

Mulholland, Margaret York Pennsylvania. 

Mund, Charles Philip Pennsylvania. 

Murdock, Peter William New Jersey. 

Murphy, Elizabeth Regina Pennsylvania. 

Murphy, Maggie Elizabeth New Jersey. 

Neal, Clarence James Pennsylvania. 

Obermeyer, Mortimer James Pennsylvania. 

O'Brien, Marguerite Cecilia Pennsylvania. 

O'Neill, Harry Joseph Pennsylvania. 

O'Neill, Owen Roe Pennsylvania. 

Ozias, George Eckhart .'..... Pennsylvania. 

Parrish, Robert Cade Pennsylvania. 

Penrose, Jarret Howard Pennsylvania. 

Platt, Clarence Elmer New Jersey. 

Pomeroy, Anna Elizabeth Pennsylvania. 

Rambo, Sara Maria Delaware. 

Remsen, Henry Norman t Pennsylvania. 

Rhoads, Edwin Stevens Pennsylvania. 

Rhoads, Howard Fetter \ . . . Pennsylvania. 

Richmond, Samuel Luther New Jersey. 

Rogers, Elsie Lee , Pennsylvania. 

Royer, Bertha May Pennsylvania. 

Ruch, William Miller Pennsylvania. 

Sadler, George McElroy Pennsylvania. 

Sangursky, Abram Pennsylvania. 

Selner, Leighton Banks Pennsylvania. 

Schaefer, Herman Albert Pennsylvania. 

Scherer, Alice Katherine Pennsylvania. 

Scholes, Joseph, Jr . Pennsylvania. 

Schultz, Milton Meschter Pennsylvania. 

Schwartz, William Charles Pennsylvania. 

Scott, Jay Heritage New Jersey. 

Shantz, Joseph K. L Pennsylvania. 

Shallcross, Thomas, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Simmers, Robert Jones Pennsylvania. 

Simpson, Frank Scoffin Pennsylvania. 

Sinclair, George , Pennsylvania. 

Smalley, Howard Malcolm New Jersey. 

Smith, Henry R. W Pennsylvania. 

Snyder, George Washington Pennsylvania. 

Sommer, Edmund Thomas O Pennsylvania. 

Spoehr, Frederick William Pennsylvania. 

Stauffer, Berend G Pennsvlvania. 



460 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Steinbrenner, Anna Bertha Pennsylvania. 

Stinson, Charles Pennsylvania. 

Stoneback, Robert Eugene Pennsylvania. 

Stover, Alvin C ' Pennsylvania. 

Stover, Willard D , Pennsylvania. 

Strawn, Thomas, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Tag, John Frederick Pennsylvania. 

Thompson, Clarence P California. 

Tomlinson, Claudia Mary Pennsylvania. 

Traver, Samuel Nisley Pennsylvania. 

Voelcker, Emma Pennsylvania. 

Wagner, Amelia Minerva Pennsylvania. 

Wagner, Anna Margaret Pennsylvania. 

Wakefield, Joseph Clayton : Pennsylvania. 

Wallauer, Bertram Albert Pennsylvania. 

Walton, Harper Buckman ....'. Pennsylvania. 

Ward, Edward M. I Pennsylvania. 

Wasley, Bertha Pennsylvania. 

Weber, Clara Ella Pennsylvania. 

Weber, William Gottlieb Pennsylvania. 

Whiteley, Mary Clay Pennsylvania. 

Wigmore, Charles Anthony Pennsylvania. 

Wilkins, David Davis New Jersey. 

Williams, John Kirk Pennsylvania. 

Wills, George Griffith Pennsylvania. 

Wilson, Robert Abbott New Jersey. 

Yocum, Horatio Litzenberg Pennsylvania. 

Zendt, Lizzie Schwenk Pennsylvania. 

Zielenbach, William, Jr Pennsylvania. 

Zitter, John Pennsylvania. 

Shorthand ©ourse. 

Barber, Charles Williams Necv Jersey. 

Bisler, Anna Elizabeth Pennsylvania. 

Breyer, Emma Augusta ..... l Pennsylvania. 

Butler, Anna Pennsylvania. 

Cleaver, Edith Marian . . . . • Pennsylvania. 

Dellicker, Lillian May Pennsylvania. 

Dickenson, David Stephens New York. 

Dugan, Anna Marie Pennsylvania. 

Elmer, Edmund Francis New Jersey. 

Farroe, Kathleen Melvin , . . Delaware. 

Foley, Mary Anatasia . Pennsylvania. 

Hampson, Esther Lillian Pennsylvania. 

Hederer, Isabella Leith Pennsylvania. 

Hergesheimer, Emilie E Pennsylvania. 

Homiller, Mrs. Latilla P Pennsylvania. 

Kretzing, Maggie Kate Pennsylvania. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 46 1 

Kuckuck, Harry John Pennsylvania. 

McClellan, William H Pennsylvania. 

Munday, Daniel Joseph Pennsylvania. 

Owen, Jennie Rose Pennsylvania. 

Pelton, Frank Curtis New York. 

Richardson, Margaret Pennsylvania. 

Scott, Bessie ■ Pennsylvania. 

Business Course, One Hundred and Sixty-two. 

Shorthand Course, Twenty-three. 

Total, One Hundred and Eighty-five. 



Biography i©al Sl^Qtoh) 
Williarr^ JSLoilsoq j^.©Vi©l^a.p 4 



Doctor of divinity, rector of "Holy Trinity" Episcopal Parish, 
both in New York and in Philadelphia. 

It is seldom that a clergyman serves for a quarter of a century in 
but two parishes, and they both of the same name, in different large 
cities. 

Reverend Doctor McVickarwas born in New York city, October 19, 
1843. He was graduated at Columbia College, in 1865, and was rector 
of Holy Trinity, New York, 1868— 1875. I* 1 tne latter year he removed 
to Philadelphia and became rector of the very important and influential 
Holy Trinity here, which he still serves. 

This parish ha^: about a thousand communicants, and annually 
expends nearly $100,000. The value of the church property is about 
half a million dollars. Holy Trinity, Philadelphia, has supplied both 
Ohio and Massachusetts with a bishop, the latter that great luminary in 
the Episcopal Church whose loss we now lament, the late Right Reverend 
Phillips Brooks. 

For eighteen years Reverend Doctor McVickar has been the 
beloved rector of this parish, which it would be fulsome to laud in view 
of the well-known works of the church. Thoroughly Episcopal, the 
reverend gentleman is liberal and charitable, no less than pious and 
zealous. His broad views, profound learning, large experience, and 
faithful devotion to his large and growing parish, have won for him the 
reverence of Christians of all denominations, as well as the affection and 
veneration of his own flock. N. H. 



JPray op 
F^oV. Williarq J\[. /4©Yi©l^ar, ]D. JD. 



Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. 
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in 
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
temptation, but deliver us from evil : For Thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

Almighty and Merciful God, graciously bow down Thy 
ear to the petitions of Thy humble servants. Hallow with 
the might of Thy blessing this institution, erected for the in- 
struction of Thy sons and daughters, and vouchsafe the gift 
of Thy grace to all who come to learn within it, that they may 
grow up in Thy faith and fear and obtain a remission of their 
sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Especially do we com- 
mend to Thy fatherly goodness the officers of this College. 
Endue them with Thy holy spirit; enrich them with Thy 
heavenly grace; dispose and turn their hearts as it seemeth 
best to Thy wisdom. Give them that knowledge which 
cometh from above, and teach them what things they ought to 
do, and give them strength and power faithfully to fulfil the 
same. Grant to the students assembled that teachableness of 
disposition which shall dispose their minds towards sound 
learning and Christian manhood. Guard them from all things 
hurtful both to soul and body, and keep them pure. Nourish 
them in goodness, and bring them to Thine everlasting king- 
dom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, 
and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all forever- 
more. Amen. 



J3iocjra.pl^i©al Sl^oteh. 
EdWiq Sydrjouj Stuart 



Bookseller, publisher, Mayor of Philadelphia, etc., etc. 

Born in this city December 28, 1853, he is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 
He was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, and was promoted 
to the Southwest Grammar School. 

In his fourteenth year he resolved to go to work. Seeing an adver- 
tisement in the Public Ledger, "Boy wanted" — at Leary's Old Book 
Store — he applied there and was employed. The then grammar-school 
boy is now the owner of the establishment — the largest of its kind in 
the country — which he has conducted for more than twenty years with 
great ability. 

Mr. Stuart was elected, in 1886, to Select Council, and unanimously 
re-elected three years later. In 1891 he was chosen Mayor of his native 
city, which office he fills (1893) to the entire satisfaction of citizens of all 
parties. 

Mayor Stuart is a thoroughly faithful municipal executive. He 
has shown himself capable and alert, devoted to the interests of the 
people. 

He is very active among young men, not only in politics, but in 
such orders as the Free and Accepted Masons, Odd Fellows, etc. 

He is Past Master of Keystone Lodge, No. 271, A. Y. M., and 
Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He is also a Past 
Officer of the Order of Odd Fellows. 

The Mayor is courteous and kind to all, and is immensely popular. 

As a merchant his career is a model for young men. Commencing 
at the foot of the ladder, he has steadily progressed to the top round, and 
is universally respected and esteemed as worthy of his success. 

N. H. 



Ir^troduetory F^onqarl^s 

BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER, 

Hoq, EdWir} S. Stuapt, 

Mayor of Philadelphia. 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — To me has been assigned the 
very pleasant duty of presiding upon this occasion and of 
introducing the gentlemen who are to address you. I am 
interested particularly in this commencement because it is a 
commencement of a Philadelphia institution, a college for the 
education of men and women to prepare them for the business 
walks of life, perhaps the most important of all duties. We 
have our colleges and our universities which educate people 
for the professions and the arts, but to-night we are assembled 
to witness the graduation of a class who are going out in the 
business world. If we examine the history of our colleges 
we will find that most of the great endowments to them came 
from our successful business men, and to-night we send broad- 
cast from this building men who expect to make their mark as 
the business men of the future in all sections of our country, 
and women to occupations that are creditable and honorable 
to themselves in every respect. 

I do not propose to detain you long, but will introduce to 
you the gentleman who is to make the address of the evening. 
Professor Peirce has always had upon these occasions some of 
the most distinguished citizens of this country, but he never 
yet presented a more typical American citizen than he who is 
to talk to you at this time. His fame is not confined to a single 
State, for while his home is in New York, he belongs to the 
United States. He is not only one of the leading men in his 



466 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

profession, but is also the president of one of our largest rail- 
road companies, and who, laying aside the cares and onerous 
duties which pertain to the position he occupies, has come here 
to-night in order that he may say a few words to encourage 
and help along the men and women who now start on a career 
which we trust will be one of usefulness and benefit, not alone 
to themselves, but also to the communities in which they 
may reside. I take great pleasure in introducing to you a 
gentleman who is always welcome wherever he goes, but in no 
place is he more welcome than in the City of Brotherly Love — 
the Honorable Chauncey M. Depew, of the United States of 
America. {Prolonged applause}) 






Doctor of laws, counsellor, Secretary of State New York, eminent 
orator and lecturer, president of railroads, etc., etc. 

This brilliant lawyer and popular citizen was born in Peekskill, 
New York, April 23, 1834, in the homestead that has been in the family 
for more than two hundred years. He comes of French-Huguenot 
stock. He was graduated at Yale in 1856, and is now president of the 
Alumni of his Alma Mater. 

He studied law and was admitted to the bar, where his extraordi- 
nary talents soon made him eminent. In 1861-2 he served in the New 
York Assembly, where he was Chairman of the Ways and Means Com- 
mittee, and acted as Speaker during a portion of the time. In 1863 he 
was elected Secretary of State, but declined a re-election in 1865. 

He was Tax Commissioner of New York city, and has been United 
States Minister to Japan. He was also one of the commissioners to build 
the new capitol at Albany, New York, and is president of the Union 
League of New York ; also regent of the State University. 

As a railroad manager his career is marked. He was attorney for 
the New York and Harlem Railroad ; then counsel for the New York 
Central; and in 1862 became second vice-president of the latter. His 
wise counsels and faithful services led to his election to the presidency, 
when, in 1885, the New York Central and the Hudson River roads were 
consolidated. He is also president of the West Shore Railroad. 

He is considered the ablest executive railroad officer in America. 
Intensely patriotic and public spirited, he is called upon to voice from 
the platform the sentiments of his countrymen on all great occasions. 
As an orator he is the foremost in the United States to-day. His wit is 
only equalled by his logic, and his style is the most charming to be 
found among the princes of the platform. N. H. 



Stiol^, IDig aqd SaVo, 



Doetop ©hjaurjooy jii. Dopow's ^dvieo to Poire© 

Sehjool Qpaduatos, -fi. Tolliqg 

j\ddposs orj Sueeoss, 



Tb,e Hugs J^udisqee th,at Listened to tb,e Forerriost ./Irriepieart 
Oralop j\ Tribute to F?ev. Dp. Hulburd 



The following report is taken from the Philadelphia 
Record, January I, 1893 : — 

" The stirring address of Dr. Chauncey M. Depew, the 
foremost American orator, to the graduates of Peirce School 
of Business, on Friday night, will be remembered as long as 
the young men and women live. The Academy of Music was 
so densely packed that many were compelled to stand in the 
aisles, a proceeding they bore with marked patience. At least 
2,000 anxious ones, unable to gain admission, turned reluc- 
tantly from the great doors. Dr. Depew's reception was 
flattering even for a man of such note. 

" In introducing the orator, Mayor Stuart made a happy 
hit. He said that Columbus may have been the ' big man ' 
of 1492, but Dr. Depew was the f big man' of 1892, 

4< In the last address Rev. Dr. Merritt Hulburd held the 
close attention of the great audience, fully 1,000 of whom 
were on their feet from beginning to close, a tribute which has 
been accorded few of the noted orators of the world." 



/\ddross 

OF 

Hoi> ©hiau-t^eoy J^I. DopoW, LL, ID. 



Mr. Mayor, and Ladies and Gentlemen : — That I am 
here to-night is no merit of mine. It is due to circumstances 
which are beyond my own or anybody else's control. A busy 
man of affairs like myself, whose whole day is occupied in the 
exacting cares of business and in solving problems which 
come to a business man, takes an excursion upon the platform, 
if he takes it, under conditions where he travels the least dis- 
tance and gets back to bed in his own home at the earliest 
possible moment. The result is that I invariably decline, dur- 
ing the busy season, any invitations outside of the city of New 
York. I received a letter from Dr. Peirce inviting me to be 
present on this occasion, and, according to custom, peremp- 
torily said " No," explaining the reasons. Then a man by the 
name of Peirce invaded my country home on the Hudson, 
and it took the hired man and dog to get him off the place. 
{Laughter) Then, on an evening when the intelligent person 
who waits upon the door in the city had had positive instruc- 
tions that no one was to be admitted, he walked into my 
library. Then he presented letters from all the distinguished 
citizens of Philadelphia, headed by the Mayor, and I said, 
" Now, I must take this matter into consideration." Taking 
the matter into consideration was simply providing an inclined 
plane by which I could slide him from my office into the street. 
I wrote him a most peremptory letter. He had already changed 



470 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the date three times, when I made up my mind that this was 
the most elastic commencement that I had ever heard tell of 
in my life. (Laughter)) I wrote him of these conditions 
which made it impossible for me to come, and then politely, 
positively, finally and emphatically said "No." A few days 
ago he walked into my office again. He displayed the frontis- 
piece on a programme for to-night. At the top of it was 
Columbus discovering America and at the bottom of it was 
myself. (Laughter.) He said, "Mr. Depew, not to discuss 
with you whether you will come or not, I have had the best 
engraver in the country make that portrait, and I thought 
you would like to submit it to your wife for any criticism she 
might make." I said, " Peirce, don't say another word, and I 
will go." (Laughter?) And when I get here I find that he 
has left Columbus on the programme and taken me off. 
(Laughter) I suppose if I had been 400 years old he would 
have left me on. 

I tell this little incident because it is the best lesson to 
this graduating class to-night of one of the leading elements 
of success in life. In the language of the street it is, " Every- 
time-get-there." In the language of the schools it is, " Energy 
— resistless determination to accomplish a result." In the 
language of the man of the world it is, " Resistless cheek." 
(Applause) 

ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS IN LIFE. 

I talk to you to-night not in a scholastic vein. I am not 
here with a set essay or with an elaborately prepared and 
finished address upon Education or upon the Mission of the 
Scholar in Politics. I am here from the busy world, as a part 
of it and as an elder brother, to speak to you, who are about 
entering upon it, in a plain, common-sense way, as I would 
talk to the young men in my company upon the duties of life, 
the mission of the business man, and — so far as it is possible 
to differentiate it in words — the elements which constitute 
success in life. 






PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 47 1 

There are, Shakespeare says, seven ages of man. And 
that has been accepted as a definition by the whole English- 
speaking world. But the busy American discovers that there 
are four ages of man, two of which are interesting to his 
friends and two to himself — one when he is born, one when 
he dies, one when he leaves the school or college to enter 
business, and the other when he is married. It is a peculiarity 
of our civilization — and we have to assign it to some higher 
power than our own ability to meet the necessities of the hour 
— that means are provided in the progression of events by 
which the young man and the young woman who come on 
are prepared to live under the new conditions which invention 
has created. The knights and the statesmen of the Middle 
Ages, though they were great men in their times and successful 
people of their period, could not to-day, if landed in any of 
the busy cities of America, earn a living except by common 
labor. They would be unequal to any profession, unequal to 
any counting-room, unequal to the farm, unequal to anything 
except the pick and the spade and the daily work. The 
inventions of the past hundred years have revolutionized the 
conditions under which men and women are to succeed in 
the world. They have so reduplicated forces, they have so 
enormously increased the elements which constitute progress, 
they have so divided and subdivided, a million times over, 
every kind of labor that a graduate of the common school, 
or of the academy, or of the college of fifty years ago would 
be nowhere in the race or in the competitions of the day. But 
just at the time when this enormously increased pace of civili- 
zation has created these difficulties, special schools arise or 
are enlarged to meet them. It is only within fifty years that 
we have had any special schools that could prepare young 
men and young women for those exacting and scientific duties 
— if I may use the word — of life. It is only within fifty years 
that the law school has been enlarged } that the medical schocl 
has grown into the conditions of to-day, and that the philo- 
logical school is as scientific and as great as it is. But prior 



47 2 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

to fifty years ago these schools for the education of the 
specialties and the liberal professions were all that we had. 
But to-day, when no young man can enter the counting-room 
and hope for success without special study — can enter the 
shop and hope to succeed without special training — can enter 
the railway service and hope to advance unless he has been 
specially prepared, there are special schools in which he can 
be prepared. 

TAKES LIFE UP BY THREADS. 

In the olden times a young man entered as a clerk in the 
store in the village where he was born, or at the country cross- 
roads. The exacting duties and requirements of the place 
educated that man to every branch of the business, and in the 
course of a few years, because of the demands made upon 
him, he knew it all, and was prepared to go into partnership, 
or, if he had the money, to go into business for himself. But 
to-day a young man enters one of these great mammoth 
establishments which conduct the business of our times, and, 
in the subdivision of labor, he is assigned to a section of a 
department, so that he gets hold simply of the workings of a 
thread in the great garment^of the business, and never has an 
opportunity to learn the web and the woof of that which must 
be learned before he can get anywhere near the head of the 
establishment. And it is just here that the technological 
schools — the school of mines, the school of science and the 
arts, the school of manual training — come in and prepare the 
young man and the young woman to meet the exacting 
requirements of the hour. The best invention, or discovery, 
or creation — whatever you may call it — of the time is the 
school of manual training, which educates brain and muscle 
so that the trained eye follows the experienced hand, and the 
youth who graduates enters into the shop or into the railway 
service or into the mill or into the mine prepared at once to 
grasp the intricacies of the business. It is just here that the 
Business School has its mission and performs its work. 



pe'irce school of business. 473 

In the olden time there was no intermediary which taught 
the young man or the young woman the methods of business. 
To-day the young man who graduates from college and who 
enters business without going through a business school is 
enormously hampered in his progress in life. I find, in look- 
ing over the questions which have been discussed upon this 
platform, that one of the readiest and most familiar has been 
whether a college education does not unfit a man for the 
business of life. I find that the college presidents who have 
spoken here have defended college education, while many of 
the so-called self-made men have assailed college education. 
I read the remarks made here recently by Andrew Carnegie, 
who is one of the most successful men in the world, and who 
gives it as his deliberate opinion that a liberal education is a 
clog upon success in practical business life. I beg to say that 
I differ absolutely from Mr. Carnegie. (Applause)) There 
are very few Andrew Carnegies — very few Commodore Van- 
derbilts — very few of those men who have a genius for the 
acquisition of money and the handling of business — who can 
get on without the training which comes from the best masters 
and from the best schools. 

EVEN GREELEY WAS MISTAKEN. 

My old friend, Horace Greeley, had the same view, but 
he had it only in regard to the profession of journalism. I 
have heard him say on many occasions, " Of all horned cattle, 
deliver me from a college graduate in an editorial office." 
And yet, to-day, it is safe to say that if good old Uncle Horace 
looked down upon the editorial sanctums of the great news- 
papers of the country he would see that nine out of every ten 
of the men who furnish the brains for the papers and the ideas 
for their readers are the graduates of universities. 

There is no such marvelous exhibition of the power of 
God as the human mind. It is, speaking without irreverence, 
Divinity itself, subject to the limitations of our human environ- 
ment. The human mind is the only one instrument of which 



474 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

we know anything that has no limit to its expansion, and 
increases in power as you cultivate it, so long as it has life to 
move it. And yet it has also the curse that it can be limited 
in its operations by a failure to utilize its powers. A liberal 
education gives to the mind that exercise in every department 
which presents its owner with the power to control its opera- 
tions, to concentrate it upon the work in hand, to fit it for the 
relaxation which is necessary for a well-ordered intellect. At 
the same time the man who confines himself to one pursuit, 
who is trained in one calling, who has never made an excursion 
outside of it, finds himself narrowed in the grasp which he has 
of the problems which are submitted to him, whether they be 
spiritual or whether they be practical. 

But it is not given to all the youth of the country to 
secure the time and to secure the opportunity and the money to 
have a liberal education. Notwithstanding that, I say in regard 
to Mr. Carnegie and his familiar example that I have seen it 
tried, and it don't turn out as he says. His example is this: 
There are two boys of an equal condition in life and of about 
equal capacity, who are fifteen years of age and who live in a 
country village. They both have been through the common 
schools. One of them goes into the village store or goes down 
to Pittsburgh and goes into Mr. Carnegie's establishment; the 
other one goes into the preparatory school and through college. 
At the end of six years the one who entered the store or the mill 
has been six years in business and progressing along, and at the 
end of six years the college graduate comes in to enter the same 
mill or the same store which his friend did six years ago. Now, 
Carnegie says that college graduate never catches up, and that 
if he did catch up he has got so much Greek and Latin and 
mathematics and nonsense in his head, which is utterly worth- 
less for business, that he cannot stay there when he gets there. 
As a matter of fact, in my observations extending over a 
system that employs 60,000 men, I find that that man with the 
trained mind which has been expanded so that it quickly 
grasps anything which is presented, who has learned how and 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 475 

where to look for information, who wastes no time upon the 
useless, but has under his control a perfect, drilled, equipped 
machine, masters in a few months what it took his friend to 
master in as many years, and when he reaches the place where 
his friend is, instead of rattling around on a chair, he is grasping 
the intricacies of the business. (Applause) 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL. 

But to you, young ladies and gentlemen, a business 
training is absolutely necessary and the best thing you 
can have, whether you come from the common schools, 
from the academy, from the seminary or from the uni- 
versity, if you intend to enter upon a business life. It is the 
fortunate condition of this country that out of every one 
hundred young men ninety-five of them are able to earn 
a living. One of the most fortunate conditions of the 
United States is that while the vast mass of its young 
men are compelled to earn their living, if they want to earn 
one, the opportunity is before them. (Applause) In older 
countries, as you visit them and as you study their condi- 
tions, you find that the son never expects to rise above the 
condition of his father, but he expects to pursue the same kind 
of labor, the same trade, the same vocation, whatever it may 
be or however humble, as that of his father. But in every 
family of the United States, no matter how that family lives — 
no matter how poor its environment, how limited its opportu- 
nities — there goes forth from among its sons the bright one, 
the intelligent one, the energetic one, the ambitious one, edu- 
cated in the common schools and then determined to succeed 
and to educate himself, who rises above the conditions in which 
he was born as if they were a springboard from which he 
could leap into the place that God intended him to fill. 
(Applause) 

One of the fallacies which beset our calculations in youth 
and which ruin the careers of thousands is a false measure of 
success. If I should put the question to any one of you young 



4^6 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

gentlemen, " What is success in life ?" the answer of you all 
would be, " A million of dollars." And yet a million of dol- 
lars is a very small part of what constitutes success in life. The 
phenomenal fortunes that have been accumulated in this coun- 
try have captured the imagination and distracted the attention 
of its young men. It is a little over two hundred years 
since William Penn founded this city, and yet in that two 
hundred years the United States has not produced a hundred 
men, it has not produced fifty men, it has not produced 
twenty-five men, it has not produced ten men who have 
accumulated fifty millions of dollars. It has produced a few 
men who have accumulated twenty millions of dollars. It 
has produced a great many men who have accumulated a 
million of dollars. But when you take into consideration 
the eighteen million bread-winners in this country to-day and 
then ask the question how many of them have accumulated a 
million of dollars, you will find that it is not two per cent, of 
the whole. 

THEIR ONLY KNOWLEDGE MONEY-GETTING. 

There is another fallacy, and that is that the accumulation 
of money is the test of brains and common sense. A man 
with a great deal of brains and a vast amount of common 
sense may accumulate a great deal of money. There is no 
reason in his brains and in his common sense and his culture 
why he should not. And yet, with an unusual opportunity to 
observe rich men, with my conditions as a professional man 
being such that they have poured into my office as if they had 
been rolled out of a hopper, studying the causes of their rise 
and the elements of their success, I have found that a man 
may have a faculty for money-making and be absolutely defi- 
cient in everything else. (Applause.) I have known men 
worth a million, worth five millions, worth ten millions, worth 
fifteen millions, worth twenty millions of dollars, who have 
never read a book, never read a newspaper, never took any 
interest in politics, knew nothing about religion except as a 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 47/ 

superstition — and they were superstitious — who had no views 
and no interest in anything except in the accumulation of 
money. But they had a phenomenal gift of discovering by 
processes which they could not explain, and did not under- 
stand, how a dollar could be turned into ten dollars every time. 

The true success in life is those elements which enable 
you to be of some use to yourself and of some use to your 
time. It is the elements which make you loved and sought by 
your environment, at home, in the church, in the community, 
and in the shop. Every young man who has put into the 
bank at the end of the year a little saving has done something 
toward the commencement of a career. Every man who has 
purchased and owns a home in which he lives and has secured 
an income by which he can live in it, no matter how frugally 
or how economically he has to live, that man is already a 
success. The rest is simply so much surplusage. (Applause?) 

As to what constitutes happiness in the world, that is a 
matter of contentment ; that is a matter of conscience ; that is 
a matter of the right view of one's position and of one's duties 
in life. 

Now, I have but one rule, and I formulated it some years' 
ago, to give to those who hope to succeed in the world, and 
that is Stick, Dig and Save. (Applause) 

When Andrew Johnson suddenly changed his politics and 
the fear was imminent that he intended to revolutionize the 
Government, he wanted to remove from office the great Sec- 
retary of War, Edwin M. Stanton. Everybody felt that Stan- 
ton was the citadel of nationality with so erratic a President. 
Charles Sumner framed a message and sent it from the Senate 
of the United States and immortalized a common English 
word, and that sentence was " Stanton, stick." (Applause.) 

HORRORS OF MISFITS. 

Now, having settled upon your vocation in life and 
decided what it shall be, don't doubt about it, don't be chang- 
ing around ; but stick. Take a little time to ascertain what 



478 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

your special talent and special bent is. One man may be a 
good lawyer and a poor preacher, and one man may be a good 
mechanic and a poor storekeeper. There is nothing in this 
world which is so cheap as a misfit. {Laughter) You go 
into a clothing store and the proprietor will present to you a 
garment that has in it the best goods and the dearest he pos- 
sesses. It is made by his most skilful workman in every 
department, but he offers it to you at one-quarter what he does 
anything which he will make for you, because it is a misfit. 
And a misfit, no matter how expensive or costly, is cheap. 
So look out at the start that you have not made a misfit. It is 
pretty soon discovered. A misfit doesn't come in one depart- 
ment or another department of the same business. The 
businesses upon which we may enter can be easily divided into 
the professions and the practical pursuits of life outside of the 
professions ; they can be divided into work which is done 
indoors and work which is done out of doors. Some men 
thrive inside with the thermometer at 90, and others thrive 
outside with the thermometer at zero. I was told many years 
ago a story. I have repeated it since and it has been charged 
that it was a chestnut. It is a peculiarity, I find, with my 
stories. But a chestnut is better than no nut at all. Besides 
that, if I tell a story here to-night, it is published to-morrow 
morning in your Philadelphia papers. The funny man in 
every paper in the United States has it in the next three weeks 
in every paper in the country. It may be a prime new story. 
I have made it up myself coming over on the cars, the sugges- 
tion coming from a conversation behind me of some man or 
of some woman in front of me. Upon that I build imaginary 
conditions to suit the speech that I am going to make. Six 
months afterward I am in some place other than here, and I 
repeat the story. It is published in the newspapers there 
again, and again the funny man gets hold of it and it goes 
over the United States, and every editorial writer instantly 
exclaims, " Of all peddlers of stale chestnuts that ever was 
heard of the worst is this alleged humorist." 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 479 

However, for my story — and I have found this out. 
Brother Si'ngerly — that no matter how old a story may be, out 
of ten people only two have heard it. I once went to see a 
friend of mine — and this happened many years ago — who was 
a classmate of mine and a preacher, and I found playing upon 
the lawn a lusty boy, and I said, " Sam, what are you going 
to do with that boy?" ''Well," said he, "I believe in the 
doctrine of natural selection. I believe that a boy should 
follow the bent of his own mind, and you should discover 
what that is and then educate him in that direction. I said 
the other day, ' Wife, that boy has reached a period where we 
ought to find out what he is going to be,' and so we got up 
an original experiment. We put him in the parlor with a Bible, 
an apple and a silver dollar. And I said, ' Wife, we will go 
and leave him. If, when we get back, he is poring over that 
Bible, he will, follow my profession, and we will make a minis- 
ter of him. If he is examining that apple, we will make a 
farmer of him. If he has got that dollar in his pocket, we will 
make a lawyer or a banker of him.' (Laughter') When we 
came back that boy was sitting on the Bible, eating the apple 
out of one hand and holding the dollar tight in the other. 
And I said, ' Wife, that boy is a hog. We will make a poli- 
tician of him.'" (Prolonged laughter) 

DIG HARD AND ALL THE TIME. 

There is another rule, and that is dig. Most young men 
think it is infra dig. to dig. The classical scholars will no 
doubt understand that. The great curse of the young men 
of the country is that they formulate their relations to their 
business thus : " I am hired to do such work. I am paid so 
much to do it. That is a great deal less than I am worth. I 
will do just what I am compelled to do, and am paid to do, and 
not one thing more." The young man who enters business 
with that idea never rises. Of course, your employer cares 
nothing for you. Discount that. Of course, the man at the 
head of your department cares nothing for you. Discount 



480 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

that. Of course, the head of your bureau cares nothing for 
you. Discount that. They have met with so many worthless 
men that have come along that they get to think that all men 
are alike and that they are pawns upon the chess-board. It 
is unfortunate that they cease to have any human interest in 
them. Of ten men in a store, young men all of the same age, 
nine of them will arrive at the store exactly on time or a little 
late in the morning. Nine of them, when it comes to 3 or 4 
or 5 or 6 o'clock, or whatever may be the closing hour, will 
have had their eyes for the last half hour glued on the clock. 
Nine of them will be constantly making excuses of sickness or 
of one thing or another to go to a baseball match or a regatta 
or a football exhibition. There will be one man of the ten 
who will be at the store before it is opened. If the porter is 
sick, he will open it and 'sweep it out and light the fires him- 
self, if that is necessary to be done. If there is any work to 
do when the store or shop closes he stays there until it is done. 
If a brother clerk falls by the way or is sick he steps over and 
does the work of his desk. He soon has the attention called 
to him of his employer or his superior. He does not have 
the sympathy, he does not have the affection, but he has the 
attention called to him. In every store or business there are 
emergencies when an alert, intelligent, honest and capable man 
is needed. If there is a vacancy occurring higher up, the hand 
of the employer goes out and he says to this young man, " I 
want you to go there." It is not because he has any sympathy 
with him or any affection for him, but it is because of the ten 
men he has he is the only one that fills that position or its 
requirements. If there is a sudden failure in another part of 
the country, and it is necessary to send some one who is 
familiar with the business, who will not even go home to get 
his clothes, who has but ten minutes to catch a cab and get 
the train — this is the man who is at once selected to go, and 
he gets the cab, he catches the train in ten minutes, and he 
gets to his destination ahead of all the other creditors and gets 
the goods for his firm. {Applause}) That young man is 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 48 1 

absolutely certain to become a member of the establishment ; 
he is absolutely certain, in the course of time, to become the 
head of it. That man is your Andrew Carnegie. And his 
success is not because he did not go through college, but 
because he had the nerve and the ability to do just what I 
-have described. 

A SORDIDNESS THAT OUGHT TO PREVAIL. 

Now, then, saving. Whenever I have talked to young 
men on the duty of saving, my newspaper friends have come 
out afterwards and said, " Mr. Depew, you are preaching the 
doctrine of sordidness." Well, I have no respect for a man 
who is not sordid enough to save for his family in his old age. 
You say it is hard to save. That depends upon how many 
cigars and cigarettes you smoke. It depends upon how many 
beers you drink. It depends upon how often you are in the 1 
saloon playing pool and drinking at the bar. Any man whose 
habits are right, whose health is good, who can work, can 
save. (Applause}) The great political and sociological 
economist, Edward Atkinson, lectured the other day before a 
fashionable audience in New York, and I went to hear him. He 
had mistaken his audience. He thought it was a crowd of social 
and economic philosophers like himself. He had on a suit of 
clothes which cost about five dollars. All the men around 
were in dress suits and all the women in ball dresses. He 
had in the parlor a machine burning which he had invented him- 
self. It was a stove. And in it he had a beefsteak and a piece 
of roast beef and a goose and- some vegetables and other 
things, and he lit it with a kerosene lamp and they were all 
cooking together. He demonstrated, so that I could see no 
fallacy in his argument, that a young man on $250 a year — 
that is $5 a week — could have a fairly good room in a respect- 
able neighborhood, have two square meals and one pretty 
square (laughter) every day, dress well, and be enabled, if he 
would take seats in the gallery, to have his best girl accom- 
pany him to the theatre fourteen times during the year. But 



4§2 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

that was in Boston. I suppose in Philadelphia it would cost 
more. (Laughter) 

It is astonishing how savings grow. It has been my 
habit for the twenty-seven years I have been with the New 
York Central Railroad, during all that period as its counsel, to 
have all departments of the road come in touch with me. 
Every once in a while during the whole of that period these 
men would state to me their conditions and want advice. I 
don't know why I should be able to give advice any better 
than anybody else. But if you practice doing anything, you 
get handy at it. I recall now two men whom I have met — 
and I won't locate them in the New York Central, because 
anybody I should mention in the New York Central would be 
known — but two men came to me twenty years ago for advice. 
They were getting the same salary. They had very much the 
same kind of positions and the same opportunities in life. I 
said to both of them, " The time has come when you should 
begin to save. You have families. You may die at any 
moment, and your families would be left without a dollar. 
That is a calamity whose horrors no tongue can describe, 
especially a young and helpless family. You will grow old, 
and when you grow old the service wants, you no longer and 
you are laid aside as useless." They said, " How can we 
save ? " I said, " By making a rule that you will, no matter at 
what sacrifice, cut down your expenses so that within a certain 
time you will bring me a thousand dollars." One of them 
followed it. And to-day the income from his investments is 
the same as his salary, and he can live on it. The other one, 
as his salary increased, increased his methods of living, went 
into a more fashionable neighborhood, went more frequently 
to the theatre, had a craving for society, began to give 
pretty little dinners with champagne and what not, sported 
a carriage, and to-day one, as I have stated, looks serenely 
upon old age, which is upon him, because he has enough 
to carry him comfortably through without care and without 
anxiety, with enough to leave his loved ones in comfort, 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 483 

while the other is in despair for fear the axe may fall on 
-account of age and incompetency and he will be at the mercy 
of a heartless world. 

THE LITTLE BUT POWERFUL 'TISBUT BOX. 

A young lawyer, a friend of mine, who was making $1,200 
a year, found himself suddenly elected to an office where He 
got a salary of $7,000. I said to him one day, " You are 
living at $7,000 ? " " Yes." " When you get through with 
that office you may not get re-elected or re-appointed. You 
will find that you are out of your profession, and that it will 
take you two or three years to get in touch with how to earn 
a dollar again. You should save." He said, "How? My 
wife says so, but she don't know how." I said, " Establish a 
4 Tisbut box, ' " and he said, " What is that? " " Put a box 
in the dining-room, and whenever you are moved to spend 
anything, from 25 cents to $25, stop a moment and say, ' It is 
but 25 cents,' ' It is but $1, and I don't need it,' and drop it in 
the 'Tisbut box." In six months he brought me $1,000, and I 
bought a bond for him, and when he retired from office he had 
$15,000, and that $15,000 kept him going and gave him a 
position until he got a very good practice, which he has 
to-day. 

But enough of practical examples. A man or woman 
may become what they make themselves. A friend of mine, 
who has been a very successful railroad man in the W^est, and 
who went out there without a dollar, but magnificently 
equipped, and who became the president of his railroad in the 
course of five or six years, and who has accumulated a fortune, 
went back to the village in the State of Maine where he was 
born. He had been gone for twenty-five years, and at night 
he went down to the grocery store, where all the wise men of 
the village gathered, and sat there on a keg, as he had done 
when he lived in the town. And he heard them all talk about 
this man and that man who had lived and died, and this man 
and that man who had gone out, and finally the justice of the 



484 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

peace said to him, " Melville, is it true that you're gettin' a 
salary of $10,000 a year?" My friend was getting nearly 
three times that much, but he said, " Yes, it is true." " Wall," 
says he, " that shows what cheek an' sarcumstances will dew 
fer a man." (Laughter) But it was neither cheek nor cir- 
cumstances. It was splendid equipment, magnificently applied. 
Now, ladies and gentlemen, I have talked too much to 
you on the sordid side. Let me tell you this : " Diligent in 
business is a good man serving the Lord." What does that 
mean ? I have told you how to be diligent in business. But 
no one can give his whole time to business. If he does, he is 
doing injustice to the business. Everybody must have recre- 
ation in some direction, and that recreation had better take 
the form of intellectual pursuits — in any other direction than 
the form of the pool-room and the form of the billiard-room, 
than any of the thousand forms which tempt the youth. You 
should have what your bent is for. If it is for botany, join a 
botany class. If it is for mineralogy, get a hammer and join 
a mineralogical class. If it is for history, join a history class. 
Cultivate the library. Read the newspapers. Read the best 
magazines. Join the Young Men's Christian Association or 
any other association which furnishes healthy surroundings 
for the soul, for the mind or for the body. Go anywhere 
where you can have access to a library. You will soon discover 
the bent of your mind. Then pursue it. Just think of the 
opportunities of a youth to become self-educated ! And that 
is often as good as any kind of an education. When you 
young men say you have no time, I will tell you how to get 
time. Take the odd moments. There is a liberal education 
in odd moments. Breakfast is never ready when you get 
down there. Dinner is never ready when it is announced. 
Lunch is always late. The Sunday dinner is always thirty 
minutes to an hour behind time. Utilize that in reading. 
Don't abuse your wife. Don't attack your mother. Both of 
those good women have some very good reason why things 
are late. It is the peculiarity of the female mind to be late. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 485 

{Laughter!) And if you will treat your wife properly — for you 
can make up your mind that there is some mighty good reason 
why she is late — her very delays will be for you a liberal 
education. 

Be interested, you young men, in public affairs. If there 
is a meeting called to reform the government of the city, go 
to it. If there is a political meeting of your party called, 
attend it. If there is a caucus inside, be there. If there is an 
assault made upon the corruption of officials, see that you are 
in the ranks attacking corruption. 

BY ALL MEANS SHUN OFFICE. 

But if you are asked to take office, shun it as you would 
destruction. This country is full of the wrecks of office. A 
young man with a genius for success in his profession or with 
a genius for success in business, because of the small returns 
in his youth, is tempted to take a public office which will give 
him three or four or five or six times as much as he is earning. 
He may hold it for four years. He may hold it for eight 
years. He may hold it for twelve years. The longer it is, 
the worse it is for himself. And then in the change of politics 
he is bowled out. His experience don't help him. His fidelity 
don't help him. His value to the place don't help him. A 
man without any preparation or fitness takes his place, because 
he is with the triumphant party. But what becomes of that 
man ? He has lost touch with business or with his profession. 
He is without money. He is getting old and without the 
means of earning a living. And he is viewed as the saddest 
spectacle and the most frequent that we have in American life. 
It is only those who are so placed that through partnerships 
which keep the business going they can be for a time released 
who can hold public office, or who are fixed otherwise so that 
they can fill the bill. 

Have ideals. I wouldn't give anything for a young man 
or a young woman who did not have ideals. I wouldn't want 
to associate, and never do, if I can help it, with a man — no 



486 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

matter how old he may be — who has lost his ideals. The-dry- 
as-dust old chip who despises everything human and doubts 
everything good, I never want to meet on 'Change, in busi- 
ness, and never in my own nor in anybody else's house. Pre- 
serve your ideals, and you will preserve your freshness and 
stand a chance to live forever. Have ideals which make you 
believe that the world is honest and that the mass of mankind 
and womankind are good and pure. {Applause}) Have ideals 
which make you believe and know that marriage is not a failure,, 
but that the divorces and scandals that you see in the papers 
are like the spots on the sun. {Applause.) Have your ideals, 
and know and believe that the great mass of men holding 
public office in our Republic, whether appointed or elected, 
are honest men, working according to the best of their light 
for the accomplishment of that which they believe best for the 
country. (Applause.) And then select some ideal man or 
woman who shall be to you a guiding star for the future- 
There is one life which, in my judgment, is the most successful 
of any which has been lived in our times. It was a life which 
did not accumulate a great fortune, but it did accumulate a 
great fame. It was the life of a boy born in a little log cabin 
in the wilderness, learning to read by the light of the fire in the 
fire-place at night — a boy who, to support his mother, drove 
the horses on the tow-path of the canal and continued to read 
while he walked along, holding the guiding rope — a boy who 
fitted himself so that he entered college ; who proved to be, 
by his diligence, one of the best all-around men in the univer- 
sity — a boy who selected for his profession that of a teacher, 
and ran through the various grades so that before he was 
thirty he was president of a college — who heard the call to 
arms and enlisted — who so applied himself to the business of 
a soldier (the opposite of that of a teacher) that he became a 
major-general for gallant services in the field — who listened to 
the call of the country to serve her in the halls of national 
legislation, and there for twenty years stood as a parliamentary 
leader, shaping the legislation which was to bring out of chaos 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 487 

the country which he loved — who became United States Senator 
and went from the Senate to be President of the United 
States, and died a martyr's death. And that man was James 
A. Garfield. (Prolonged applause)) 



E>iogp&pr}i©al Scoter} 
/loppitt Hulbupd. 



Master of arts, doctor of sacred theology, eminent divine. 

Doctor Hulburd is the eldest child and only son of the late Rever- 
end D. P. Hulburd, who for half a century was a prominent minister in 
the Troy Conference. Doctor Merritt Hulburd was born at Monkton, 
Vermont, October 15, 1842. He was educated in the public schools 
until he entered the Troy Conference Academy, at Poultney, Vermont, 
and then finished his preparation for college at Fort Edward, under 
Doctor J. E. King. In 1861, the need of men being urgent, he went to 
a charge in Washington county, New York, intending to go back to col- 
lege as soon as he could do so ; but that time has never come. Married 
at nineteen years of age, in the second year of his ministry, he succes- 
sively served as pastor at Shushan, and at Sandy Hill, Washington 
county, New York ; at Grace Church, and at Trinity in Troy ; at Hud- 
son Avenue in Albany, where he was given a long leave of absence to 
visit Europe, which he did in 1872 ; Trinity Church, Springfield, Massa- 
chusetts ; State Street Church, same city ; St. Paul's, Lowell, Massachu- 
setts ; First Church, St. Paul, Minnesota ; at Burlington, Vermont ; at 
Washington Square, New York city ; at Trinity, New York city ; and 
from thence to Spring Garden Street Church, Philadelphia, where he is 
now serving his fourth year (1892). 

In 1876 he received the degree of A. M. from Wesleyan Univer- 
sity; and in 1883 the same from the University of Vermont ; while in 
1888 the University of New York conferred upon him S. T. D. (Sacro- 
sanctae Theologiae Doctor). 

This accomplished and devoted clergyman has not lately been in 
good health, and greatly needs his present trip to Europe that his admir- 
ers and all friends of the gospel hope may restore to him that sound body 
to which so sound a mind and warm a heart entitle him. N. H. 



y\ddpQSS 
Y^eY. y^Qppitt Hulbupd, ID. 3D., 

TO THE 

Gcpaduatirjg ©lass. 



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — I heartily 
appreciate the cordiality of your greeting, and will evidence 
that appreciation by not trespassing upon your patience with a 
long speech. I attribute the warmth of your welcome, in part, 
at least, to the interest which attaches to that which is over- 
due, as in the case of that staunch Cunarder, the Umbria, 
whose arrival so many are anxiously awaiting ; but the Umbria 
will be in to-morrow, and I am here now. {Applause}) I was 
due upon this platform one year ago, but was prevented by 
serious illness. I have been wishing for the last hour or so 
that I had been here then and had it over with, for then I 
should have gotten ahead of this New Yorker, Doctor Depew, 
and any man who does so will have to have about a year's 
start. {Laughter and applause}) I feel at this late hour, and 
after his brilliant address, a little as the boy did, who, lingering 
at the table, was thus rebuked by his father : " My son, when 
I am through I leave the table." The lad, looking somewhat 
ruefully at the effect of his father's attack on the food, said : 
" Yes, and that's all you do leave." {Laughter}) Doctor 
Depew has not only swept over his own field, charming us all 
by the power and splendor of his eloquence, but has traversed 
mine in a speech to the graduates of such practical wisdom, so 



4QO ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

wide in its range and so exhaustive in its treatment, as to 
leave me but to echo his counsel and endorse his philosophy. 
One thing, however, reconciles me to the fact that I did not 
appear last year, and it is that if I had done so I must have 
missed the opportunity of reading my own obituary and the 
eulogy which my wise and witty friend, Mr. Burdette, pro- 
nounced at the time when he appeared as my substitute. 
(Laughter) And since he declared at the time that he was 
making my speech, it has been a great satisfaction to me to 
to see how good a speech I could make when I was not there ; 
besides, Mr. Depew has made a little mistake, for, in the dis- 
appointment which he has professed to feel at the non-appearance 
of his picture on the programme, he has overlooked the fact that 
Doctor Peirce, in the success which attended his effort to get 
another man to make my speech last year, has simply got 
another to sit for my picture this, and in this case he has failed, 
for I think I am a better-looking man than that, though how 
I may have looked as long ago as that I cannot tell. (Loud 
laughter a?td applause) 

But, in all seriousness, let me now for a few moments 
address myself to the young ladies and gentlemen who will 
shortly become my fellow-clerks. I call you fellow-clerks, 
for " clerk " and " clergyman " are cognate terms, and if 
traced to their origin they both root in the ground. And 
this relationship of callings opens the way for me to say 
that I have not one particle of sympathy with those meretri- 
cious distinctions sometimes made between what are called 
the honorable professions and menial employments, and 
as little with the classifications which divide things in their 
nature as sacred and secular, for things as such have no 
character ; they only acquire it when they have assimilated, 
when they have felt the impress of a self-determining will, and 
then they are lofty or base as he is. A man may secularize 
the holiest calling or he may make sacred the humblest toil 
and so perform the lowliest task as to " make that and the 
action fine." A base man will grovel in a palace, while a royal 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 49 1 

soul with a tinker's trade will catch sight of the delectable 
mountains and hear the harpers harping with their harps. 

Exile such a soul, and for him the lonely isle of the yEgean 
Sea will flame with millennial splendors, for " stone walls do 
not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage." " It is not in our 
stars, but in ourselves, if we are underlings." Let no man 
despise your business, but in order to this you must not make 
it despicable, not treat it as such. They deified Socrates 
because he brought divine philosophy down to earth. Was it 
not rather that he took earthly things up into the realm of the 
divine ? An adverse critic once called Longfellow the poet 
of the commonplace; if the criticism was just it was high 
praise, for then he was the poet of the people, since most of 
our lives are commonplace, and he who takes the ordinary 
things of life and wreathes them with beauty is deserving of 
higher praise than he who sings of the lost Pleiad, for we do 
not live among the stars. {Applause}) The bluff old captain 
to whom an impatient passenger came complaining because 
the steamer was slowed down in a fog, saying, " Captain, why 
don't you go ahead ; I can see stars," replied : " Yes, but we 
are not going that way, unless the boiler bursts." We have 
to live here, and he who can make our lives easier and happier 
is the man Avho earns our gratitude. He who comes and 
with the power of his genius shows us, " In the humblest 
flower that blows, thoughts that lie too deep for tears," is of 
more value to humanity than one who creates a distaste for 
the actual by the charm with which he invests the unattain- 
able. To drop a secret, subtle oil upon the machinery of life 
which reduces its friction, to give inspiration and enthusiasm 
to the humblest toiler, is a greater gift than to range the fields 
of space or float on clouds of sublimated ideals. Why, Doctor 
Depew lives in summer in what is to me one of the most 
commonplace towns — Peekskill, on the Hudson. And yet 
the wizardry of his eloquence has invested the old Dutch 
burgh with a wondrous charm, and since he locates all his 
stories there, people who have never seen it think that its 



49 2 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

inhabitants must be the wisest and wittiest in the world. He 
has imparted a beauty to each nook and cranny, and by his 
brilliant wit made even the prosaic and much-belabored chest- 
nut trees wear a perennial freshness. {Laughter.) 

When, ladies and gentlemen, you have, with due regard 
to your tastes, your aptitudes, your health and your opportu- 
nities, chosen the work of your life, I repeat, don't be ashamed 
of it, don't despise it, don't disguise it, even by the use of 
high-sounding and polysyllabic words respecting it, like the 
colored man who said he lived in Boston — not exactly Boston, 
but about forty miles out ; and that his business was a tanner 
and currier — not exactly a tanner and currier, but he blacked 
boots for gentlemen. [Laughter)} If you are in the house- 
hold department at Wanamaker's, and have sold a gridiron, 
call it a gridiron ! Don't say you have negotiated a transaction 
involving the transfer of right and title to an anhydrohepseterion, 
for just as likely as not some one might not understand you, 
and, if they did, would conceive a supreme contempt for a man 
who was too big for his business. 

But on the other hand — and this may seem to involve a 
contradiction, but that is one of the privileges of the platform 
— I say be bigger than your business. Not too big for it. 
There are a great many men in this world who are too big ; 
like the Great Eastern, which drew too much water; there 
were but few harbors into which she could enter, and the last 
time I saw her she lay a rotting hulk in the Mersey, and was 
sold at last for junk. Such men stand idle because there isn't 
anything big enough for them to take hold of, forgetting that 
they only are called to go up higher who are faithful in that 
which is least. When the Master called His disciples He 
sought them from the ranks of the toilers ; there was not an 
idler among them ; if He called fishermen you may depend it 
was not the ones who complain of never having any luck. 
When anything is to be done, find the busiest man you know 
and get him to do it. Opportunities always come to the 
occupied, but never to the idle. But I still insist that a man 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 493 

must be bigger than his business. A young man complains 
to me that he is " only a bookkeeper." I am sorry for a man 
who is " only " anything. If he were only a preacher, he 
would be a poor one. If he were only a railroad president, 
we should have no use for him here to-night. I am sorriest 
of all for a man who is that most useless of all the products 
of our modern civilization — only a millionaire. The man 
who, while loyal to his employer and faithful to his duty, still 
finds time to add to his stock of knowledge and acquaintance 
with and sympathy for men and things ; the one who, while 
he is a bookkeeper, a preacher, a blacksmith, or a railroad 
president, is more, and, reaching out hands of helpfulness and 
a heart of feeling, broadens himself and attains the highest, 
becomes the noblest, whether in broadcloth or fustian — a 
man. (Great applause}) Some men come to their business 
as a tire is put on to a wheel ; they are shrunk on, and the 
shrinking process has continued until it is impossible to find 
the man. " Only a bookkeeper ! " Charles Lamb was a 
bookkeeper, but he rendered that office a pilgrim shrine 
for the feet of multitudes who pay homage to the memory 
of the gentle " Elia," who was more than a bookkeeper. 
Nathaniel Hawthorne was a bookkeeper, but while he 
toiled for bread his spirit swept the fields of fancy and 
wove the lives and work of men into such wondrous story 
as made him easily the chief among the writers of fiction 
in America. 

Each department of this mysterious trichotomy which 
we call man has its claims, but none are exclusive. You 
have a physical nature, the lowest .story of your being, and 
it has its requirements. You owe it to yourself to care 
for your health, to give due attention to hygiene, and by 
temperance, continence and exercise give your mind and 
spirit the best kind of a temple to dwell in ; but don't live 
in the basement ; move up ; go into the mental story, 
where the lateral windows command a wider sweep and 
broader vision, and then ascend into that highest room, 



494 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

arched by a sky-like dome where angels walk, and with the 
crisis of worship upon you, let your spirit hold communion 
with God. 

But I may not venture to detain you longer than may be 
necessary to present in outline what lay in my mind as con- 
stituting the substance of things important for you to fix in 
your minds at the outset of your career, and they are embraced 
in these: Be studious — men, nature, books constitute your 
library — see that your mind is thoroughly furnished for every 
possible emergency. Be self-respecting — and in order to do 
this you must be honest, thorough and real. Our age is intol- 
erant of sham and pretence, and if the age do not find you 
out you will know it yourself. Garfield said : " I must have 
the respect of James A. Garfield, for I have to live with him." 
So you are not to be content with seeming, you must be. In 
one word, be faithful, for it is everywhere as true as in that 
land of which Tennyson sang : — 

Not once or twice in our rough island's story 
The path of duty was the way to glory. 
He that, ever following her commands, 
On with toil of heart, and knees, and hands, 

Through the long gorge to the far light has won 
His path upward, and prevailed, 
Shall find the toppling crags of duty scaled 
Are close upon the shining table lands 

To which our God, Himself, is moon and sun. 

For it is not to wealth, fame or success merely that I call you. 
The highest honors wait on him who, whatever his lot, has 
been faithful to the trust imposed. The bauble success may 
be won by fraud, purchased at the expense of conscience, or 
wrested by the hand of violence, and, at best, can be secured 
by but few ; but it is given to all to achieve that highest 
honor that belongs to right living and the faithful discharge 
of duty, and in this we minister not only to present weal, but 
we also— 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 495 

" Shape ourselves the joy or fear 

Of which the coming life is made, 
And fill our future's atmosphere 

With sunshine or with shade. 
The tissue of the life to be 

We weave with colors all our own, 
And in the field of destiny 

We reap what we have sown." 

Be faithful. The test of life is not happiness, is not wealth, 
is not success, but faithfulness — duty well done. And when 
at last, in the final accounting, the eye of Omniscience shall 
scan your books as they are balanced and closed for the last 
time, may He blazon upon them in characters of living light 
the testimony of His approval, 

" Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant." 

{Great applause?) 



PROCEEDINGS 



FIRST ANNUAL BANQUET 



OF THE 



Alumni Association 



Peine School of Business and Shorthand, 



THE COLONNADE, PHILADELPHIA, 



Wednesday Evening, January 11, 1893, 



AT 7 SO F\ M. 



From the Philadelphia Record, January 12, 1893 : — 



I°oip©o ;\lu.rqqi F^ou.r|ioq. 



Solid EUoei^s of Wisdorq fponq Tr^oip Ppeeeptop. 
Evolution of I3usir|Gss. 



Foprriep Students of \Y\q ©ollege, at Tr^eir j\r}r)tial Banquet, ^lirigli 
a Great Deal of Ir»stpuetior) with) Sorqe j\rquserqer)t. 



Royal purple, gold and white were prettily blended 
together last evening in the large banqueting-room of the 
Colonnade Hotel, in honor of the first annual banquet of the 
Alumni Association of the Peirce College of Business and 
Shorthand. 

Over two hundred bright young men and women sat 
around the well-arranged tables, representing a portion of that 
active army who first received business training to equip them- 
selves for life's duties under the direction of Dr. Thomas May 
Peirce. It was a pleasant reunion, in which old friendships, 
dating from school days, became more firmly cemented than 
ever. 

PROUD OF THE RECORD OF THE COLLEGE. 

After the menu had given place to speech-making, Prof. 
J. E. M. Keller, of the Class of '72, president of the Alumni, 
said a few words of pleasant greeting, reminding those present 
of the objects of the association — to promote social intercourse 
among the graduates " and aid the Principal and Faculty to 
further popularize our Ahna Mater." He was proud of the 
record made by Peirce College, and looked with pleasure on 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSWESS. 499 

his connection with it, first as a student, over twenty-one years 
ago. 

" I don't know why I was made toast-master," said 
Thomas James Fernley. " Maybe on account of my modesty, 
but I was told it was because of my physical resemblance to 
Dr. Peirce." He then referred to the incentive to young men 
to emulate the career of the world's great ones who made 
their mark in life in early manhood, and went on to give a list 
of Dr. Peirce's graduates who have attained marked success 
in commercial, literary and professional lines. 

Demands came from all around the tables for a speech 
from the Principal of the College, and Dr. Peirce arose, amid 
applause and cheers, and said : — 

PRINCIPAL PEIRCE'S SPEECH. 

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : — The old, old 
subject of business education has been assigned me for this 
evening, but it is a new subject for me to discuss in a speech. 
Our College has been holding graduating exercises in public 
for a long time, but I have always been acting on such occa- 
sions the part of the host and have given up the platform to 
representative educational and business men. I have not 
obtruded myself upon our audiences save only to wish a hearty 
"God speed" on behalf of the Faculty to the graduating class. 
I have not always pleased our friends by remaining silent, but 
I have been frequently chided by those who were partial and 
friendly to me, who desired to hear my own views upon Busi- 
ness Education and to have me in my own way discuss and 
analyze that subject. 

Nevertheless, I have steadfastly followed my own views 
as to the make-up of our programme of the graduating exer- 
cises, and year after year have gladly continued to give up the 
platform to those of our distinguished friends who were kind 
enough to address us, feeling assured that the programme as 
thus constructed would be more entertaining and profitable ; 
but to-night, in the presence of our Alumni Association and 



500 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the generally-expressed desire on behalf of the Alumni that 
I should have something to say, I wish for a few minutes to 
la3' before you for your consideration a few facts and reflections. 

DOESN'T LIKE THE NAME " COLLEGE." 

The American Business College is an evolution. I am 
sorry, and always have been sorry, that the word " college " 
ever became a part of the name of a Mercantile or Commercial 
School, but I found it in existence and a certain defined idea 
was represented by it, and I have been too conservative to 
change it ; but as we get farther along on the lines of progress 
and development which we have been following for over a 
quarter of a century I hope some day to change the name of 
Peirce College of Business to Peirce School of Business. 

In the beginning — that is, of Business Education — 
about fifty years ago, certain accountants of ability, such as 
Comer, in Boston ; the Dolbears, in New York and New 
Orleans ; Dando and Crittenden, in Philadelphia ; Duff, in 
Pittsburgh ; Bartlett, in Cincinnati, began giving lessons in 
bookkeeping and penmanship to young men employed in busi- 
ness who had entered the service of their employers at an age 
when they had better been at school, but because of their apt- 
ness for business had made some sort of a success in business 
life ; but they saw ahead of them the bookkeepers, cashiers and 
correspondents in the counting-houses, and were glad to go to 
such accountants as I have named, at such time as they could 
find, at the noon hour or in the evening, to prepare for 
higher and more profitable positions, and in this way, I am 
inclined to believe, grew up the practice of charging so much 
for a course of instruction without regard to the time in 
attendance, or, in other words, issuing what became popularly 
known as Life Scholarships. 

EFFECTS OF THE CIVIL WAR. 

Then came the Bryant & Stratton chain, issuing the same 
kind of scholarships, good for an indefinite period of time in 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 5OI 

any of the schools linked together in the chain ; and such 
were the commercial schools when the War of the Rebellion 
came on apace, and from the plow, shop and other fields of 
manual labor hearty responses were made to the appeals of our 
President Lincoln for soldiers to put down the rebellion. At 
the close of the war the armies were disbanded, and thousands 
upon thousands of young men found themselves out of the 
army with what, to them, were large sums of money in their 
possession and little desire to return to hard work, as they 
called it, and they hunted up the business college, where 
students were separately instructed, and swelled the enrollment 
of students in these institutions far beyond anything up to that 
time dreamt of. 

But the war was over ; the armies were disbanded and 
the supply of discharged veterans soon became exhausted, 
causing many of the recently-started business colleges to close 
and a recasting of courses of study in those that remained. 
Those who had faith in the possibilities of a commercial school, 
and who were school men as well as business men, looked over 
the situation and foresaw the great changes that were about 
to take place in business methods and courses of business 
procedure produced by the telephone and stenographic pencil 
and typewriter, and the radical changes that were making in 
the educational world concerning schools for specialties, and 
began to devise methods and adopt courses of instruction for 
those who had secured a fair grammar, high or normal school 
education, to fit them to enter upon a business career, and from 
that time on the claims of the mercantile school to public favor 
have been as well founded as those of any other kind of 
technical school engaged in special training. 

A NECESSITY OF THE TIMES. 

The day has gone by for the use of argument or the 
assignment of reasons for their existence. They exist because 
they respond to a well-defined and largely-felt want in the 
business world. Were it necessary to make any reference to 



502 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

their legitimacy, the fact that our venerable University of 
Pennsylvania, with its well-known conservatism, has opened a 
business college as one of its departments, called the Wharton 
School of Finance and Economy, would go far toward assuring 
"doubting Thomases" that a business school Is a necessity of 
the times, and I might further add that the organization of a 
commercial department in our Drexel Institute might be 
quoted as an indorsement of the importance of a business 
education. Very few seminaries or academies of the higher class, 
in this country to-day are without a commercial department. 

Now, let it be clearly understood that the business- 
school, at least so far as I know what a business school is,, 
does not attempt to give a collegiate or university training. 
We do not pretend to give a liberal education, but, concen- 
trating our efforts, give a useful education and a special training. 
We gladly leave to the care and training of the college, with 
its School of Finance and Economy, the few who can afford 
to take a thorough collegiate course in economics and finance. 
There is now, and always will be, a large army, recruited 
largely from the mighty middle classes of the country, to 
whom time and money are an object, who desire to be fitted 
for gainful positions with business men and corporations. 
From them we draw our patronage ; to them we look for 
support, and we look confidently, because our graduates are 
able to obtain greater remuneration than those of equal gifts 
and similar preliminary education can make without the 
additional training given by a business school. 

STRAIGHT FROM THE FOUNTAIN HEAD. 

Of course, we teach bookkeeping ; but we go to the 
counting-houses of the city and obtain experienced account- 
ants to furnish the instruction. Penmanship and commercial 
arithmetic are taught by specialists ; business correspondence, 
involving a thorough study of the elements of the English 
language, consumes much of our time and thought. The 
uses of a bank are learned by going to a bank. Law and 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 503 

business forms are taught by those in active practice at the 
bar, and the course is sufficiently extended to keep one from 
crippling his case should it finally terminate in litigation. 

Business customs, covering the relations of a business 
man to banks, trust companies, insurance companies, trans- 
portation companies, and so forth, are carefully described in 
the banking-house, in the trust company office, etc., as well as 
in the school-room. Commercial geography gives our stud- 
ents an intimate acquaintance with the various commodities 
which are exchanged in the world, where produced, how 
transported, for what consumed and the total annual product 
of each commodity. Shorthand and typewriting and French 
and German are taught, the latter for travel as well as busi- 
ness. Ethics secures a fair share of our attention, that our 
graduates may transact business in accordance with good 
morals, and we hope at a very early date to secure a connec- 
tion with the colleges of the country by means of University 
Extension lectures upon civics, finance and economics. 

ACTUAL TRANSACTIONS IN BUSINESS. 

I would like also to refer to another important feature 
of the course of instruction in a first-class school, which I 
have no doubt has delighted you all. I refer to our banking 
and business department, in which you became merchant 
traders and really bought and sold goods, and, under the 
direction of the management, settled for them in all the vari- 
ous ways of settling accounts practiced in the marts of trade. 
Thus we taught you how to transact business by the transac- 
tion of business, and thus the uses of a draft, promissory 
note, check and other business papers became known to you 
by the actual and proper use of them under the guidance of 
a competent instructor who had himself been schooled in 
business itself. 

But do not fail to notice that the instruction in the 
banking and business department is in the transaction of 
business. The student is expected to practice the bookkeeping 



504 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

which has heretofore been taught to him, and he finds him- 
self for the first time without the written description of a 
business transaction furnished him by the text-book. He 
must now for himself frame a description of the transaction ; 
he must now determine for himself in what book he will 
make the entry, and he must now learn, each for himself, 
as to when he finds he must make the entry to insure the 
entry. 

AS REAL AS OUT IN THE WORLD. 

In other words, the rawness and crudeness which a 
student who has just finished a course of bookkeeping from a 
text-book exhibits to a business man, evoking his condemna- 
tion of school bookkeeping and his emphatic commendation 
of counting-house bookkeeping, is here removed from the 
student by the friction of business as real as that in any job- 
bing or commission house in the city. Personally, I regard 
the development of this banking and business department as 
the most valuable single item in a commercial course. You 
have been members of our banking and business department, 
and you have, since graduation, occupied places in the count- 
ing-houses of the city and surrounding country, and I can 
appeal to you to oppose the old-fogy idea that bookkeeping 
can best be learned in a counting-house. 

Have you, in the busy counting-houses in which you 
have been spending your business hours since graduation, 
found that you had any time to take from your multifarious 
duties to teach some beginner ? Have you seen, among the 
busy clerks, correspondents and bookkeepers in advance of 
you, those who had time to spare to induct you into the gen- 
eral principles of bookkeeping or acquaint you with the busi- 
ness customs which are generally followed ? Or, have you 
found any one in the counting-house who has been able to 
take more than time enough to instruct the newcomer in 
what are the specialties and local customs of the particular 
counting-house to which you are attached ? No, no ! It 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 505 

will not do to say that the best place to learn bookkeeping 
is in a counting-house, for there are probably no teachers 
there, and if there were they have no time, in this busy age, 
crowded wjj;h business engagements, to spare to teach. 

BOYS DON'T GET THE CHANCE NOW. 

The boy entering into the counting-house years ago 
carried the key, opened the store, closed it, and he picked up 
what he could as to how to perform duties in advance of those 
of the last boy in the store. Porters and watchmen are now 
assigned such duties, and boys are expected to remain at the 
schools provided by the public until they secure a good 
English education, and then are expected to attend a Commer- 
cial School, to be specially fitted for counting-house duties. 
The law of the land will not permit the apothecary to take a 
boy and have him learn how to compound prescriptions by 
apprenticeship in the drug store, but he must go to the College 
of Pharmacy and secure special knowledge of that and cognate 
branches, and must win a diploma and must put it on exhibi- 
tion in the drug store before he can legally put up prescriptions. 
But why linger on this point before an audience each member 
of which has personally experienced the benefits of the special 
training and has personally witnessed the scant chances that 
one who enters upon a business career has to pick up a business 
training. 

Again, let it be understood that the commercial teacher 
has good reason to be satisfied with the future of his students. 
The Commonwealth depends upon her business men for her 
prosperity, and enterprises of great pith and moment were 
none if it were not for the high thinking and bold acting of 
our business men. Where were the colossal endowments of 
your institutions for higher learning, where the foundations 
for your institutes engaged in secondary education, were it not 
for the open-handed, generous business men of the country — 
your Girard Colleges, your Drexel, Pratt and Armour Insti- 
tutes, or your Chicago Universities ? 



500 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCBSES. 

BRIGHT EXEMPLARS FOR THE STUDENTS. 

I have often thought that my kinsman who had the 
honor of instructing the present Bishop Brooks in theology 
must have enjoyed with relish the pulpit efforts of his theologue. 
Had I been the commercial teacher of such bright business 
men as we have here in Philadelphia — a Dolan, a Singerly, a 
Wanamaker, a Childs, a Drexel — I would view with pardon- 
able self-complacency their grand achievements in this great 
manufacturing city of Philadelphia, and I look forward with a 
faith undimmed that there are among the alumni of Peirce 
School, here growing up, young men and women stirred to 
their depths by these bright examples, and who in their day 
and generation will bring trade to their city, beautify its streets 
with their business edifices and palatial homes, and not forget 
the poor, needy and afflicted, whom we shall always have with 
us, and with open hands distribute to them day by day from 
their store. 

And as the Commercial Schools develop, and as their 
principals, driven by sheer necessity in the fierce competition 
with endowed institutions of learning, pick their brains as best 
they may to accomplish the best results by the most philo- 
sophic methods and in the shortest time, there appear, besides 
works on bookkeeping, penmanship, arithmetic, and so forth, 
year by year, score upon score of text-books on the elements 
of English, business correspondence, business forms, commer- 
cial law, business customs, banking, commercial geography, 
civics and economics, making valuable additions to the list of 
school-books for use in the public schools, high and normal 
schools and seminaries throughout the land. 

let's see your string of fish. 

As a noted evangelist remarked to his critic, " Show me 
your string of fish, and if it is a better-looking string than 
mine, I want to learn of you and change my methods," so I 
feel like remarking to any one disposed to criticise, " Let us see 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 507 

your string of fish, and if your graduates are occupying more 
honorable, useful and remunerative positions than ours, we 
will sit at your feet as those of old did at the feet of Gamaliel 
and learn what you have to teach." There is still a little dis- 
position upon the part of well-meaning friends of education, 
who are not familiar with the workings of a high-class Com- 
mercial School, to speak rather lightly of them as not furn- 
ishing more than facilities. 

True it is, we furnish our students with facilities. We 
do make it easy (using the word facility in its etymological 
sense) for our graduates to get along in the world, but we do 
a great deal more ; we inspire them with a sincere, earnest 
and deep love of learning and a thirst for knowledge that is 
not likely to be slaked till they cease to live. We, however, 
welcome such honest criticism, and, as Fitzjames replied to 
Roderick Dhu : 

" I thank thee, Roderick, for the word ; 
It nerves my heart ; it steels my sword." 

DOORS OPEN TO WOMEN. 

And last, though not least, the Business School was 
among the first to open its doors to women. I remember now 
with what caution and shyness I managed to get Peirce Col- 
lege's door open for women, but we finally got it open ; it 
remains open, and, so far as I am concerned, it will never be 
shut again. The Business School has multiplied the oppor- 
tunities for women to gain a livelihood without unsexing them- 
selves ; and, girls, you don't know to what a heritage you are 
born in America. It is always well to " see oursel's as ithers 
see us," so let me give you a picture of the American woman 
as I saw her portrayed upon the platform some time since. 

Paul Blouet, whose nom de plume is Max O'Rell, tells 
us that in France the wife is the partner of the husband. In 
going to a hotel to dinner, she takes the arm of her husband 
and walks by his side. In London, however, Mr. John Bull goes 



508 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

first and his wife follows. She was extinguished when she 
became the wife, and remains so during her married life. But 
in New York the American lady leads the way as a queen, and 
her husband follows after and pays " de bill." {Laughter and 
applause?) 

TOAST TO THE FACULTY. 

Responding to the toast, " The Faculty," Prof. E. B. 
Gumpert said: — 

Mr. President, Doctor Peirce and my other Dear 
Friends : — I trust that you will believe me when I say that I 
highly appreciate the honor conferred upon me in selecting 
me to speak for the Faculty this evening. Whatever else I 
may say that seems like a straining of the truthy or an entire 
avoidance of it, this first statement of mine must remain 
unchallenged — that I appreciate the honor. 

Why / was selected to speak for the Faculty puzzled me 
for a long time, but I have been able, by gathering together 
the various data and memoranda floating through . my brain, 
to " lay the flattering unction to my soul " that it was because 
I represent, in myself, all the elements that tend to make a 
perfect member of the Faculty, and could, therefore, best serve 
as a fair sample of what the others should be — or are. 

I feel to-night very much like the widow who was being 
condoled with by the neighbors on her recent bereavement. 
Said she, " Yes, it is a terrible loss to me. When I look around 
and see how much work there is to do around the farm, and 
hog-killing time coming on, I 'most wish John hadn't a died." 
And so, when I look around and see what is expected of me, 
I 'most wish that the Alumni Association hadn't a been 
formed. 

I am to speak to-night for the working force of the Col- 
lege, or rather for that part of its mechanism upon which, to 
a great degree, its success depends. I hope I may not be 
accused of egotism when I claim so much for the Faculty of 
which I have the honor to be a member. Far be it from me 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. ^CX) 

to underrate the important part played by the Principal and 
his efficient office force. There is needed in every great enter- 
prise the mind that plans and the hand that executes. You 
have read of a great battle won by Gen. This, or an engage- 
ment successfully fought by Col. That, from which it might be 
inferred that the general or the colonel had single-handed 
met and overcome the enemy. The details laid down by the 
commanders, faithfully carried out by the troops, led to 
success. 

A truly great actor is needed to properly render the part 
of Hamlet, but what would his abilities be if Ophelia, the 
Ghost, and the rest of the dramatis personce, were not on hand 
to help him out ? Of what import would be Marc Antony's 
oration over the dead Caesar, if there were no " Friends, 
Romans and countrymen " present whose ears he could bor- 
row, or if the crowd of citizens was not up in its lines and 
shouted for the reading of Caesar's will at the wrong time ? 

Shakespeare, or whoever wrote Shakespeare's plays, 
recognized the importance of a Faculty when he had Hamlet 
say : " What a piece of work is man ! How noble in reason ! 
How infinite in his Faculties!" 

Mrs. Siddons, the tragic muse, the greatest actress of her 
own and not equaled in our day, was seated in her dressing- 
room one evening, awaiting a summons to the stage, when her 
maid came in and said there was a countrywoman outside who 
wished Mrs. S. to give her an order for the play. To say that 
Sarah was astonished would but feebly express her feelings. 
In her superb hand-me-the-dagger tone of voice, she exclaimed, 
" A free pass ! The woman must have parted with her reason. 
Hath she her Faculties about her?" "I don't know, mum," 
replied the maid, " I think she hath. I seed she had something 
tied up in a cotton handkerchief." 

Now, Dr. Peirce does not keep his Faculty in a cotton 
handkerchief, nor do people need to inquire whether he has 
his Faculties about him. That he has them was evidenced by 
the last graduating exercises ; is evidenced by the growth of 



510 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

the school ; is evidenced by the position that the College has 
taken in the educational field. 

You must understand that we are teaching solely for the 
good of the students. We are not to be turned away from 
our work by considerations of money, offers of cabinet posi- 
tions or of foreign appointments. We will positively refuse 
all offices offered to us by the new President, unless specially 
urged to accept by the Principal, for the good of the 
students. 

Dr. Depew, in his address to the class last month, uncon- 
sciously advertised the motto of the Faculty ; for which he is 
hereby forgiven : " Stick, Dig, Save." We stick to a student 
with the pertinacity of a flea to a Scotch terrier, or of a por- 
ous plaster to its subject, and are only to be called off from 
the victim when he is needed in another department. We dig 
deep into the mines of learning, when burning the midnight 
oil at 10 cents a gallon, in order to get new information for 
the students. We dig down into their brains and then pour 
fresh instruction into their minds, and when we find it leaking 
out, we repeat the dose and try to stop the leak, and, whether 
we succeed or not, we keep on sticking and digging. We 
save ; oh, yes, we save ! We save all the nuggets of wisdom for 
the students, we save our brain matter and our physical energy 
for them to use up, and we save our money because we don't 
have time to spend any. W T e don't have any " 'Tis but " boxes, 
but we have a " No time" chest, into which we drop the money 
we have no time to spend, and when it is full we give it to 
charity. Let me tell you, in confidence, that when a single 
man joins the Faculty he never marries until he leaves it. 
W T hy ? Because he wouldn't have time to find a girl, and 
wouldn't have time to court her after he did find her. He 
might enroll her as a student and combine Discount and 
Devotion ; Law and Love ; Correspondence and Caramels ; 
Customs and Cream ; Arithmetic and Affection. Then he 
could get married by the Dean and take a bridal trip up and 
down in the elevator. The married members of the Faculty 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 5 I I 

call on thair wives and children two or three times a week, 
to sort of keep up the acquaintance; but our College comes 
first, and eating, sleeping, courting, flirting, and I was about to 
say drinking, all are of minor consideration. 

As impartially as the rains of Heaven descend upon 
the just and the unjust, so does our intellectual manna fall 
into the brain of the good student and upon the head of the 
student who — is not so good. We form attachments for the 
bright, the industrious students, and through them we get our 
reward in the success they attain after they leave us. As for 
the others, who are not so good, they become attached to us, 
and, like the poor, we have them always with us. A business 
man, finding himself by the force of circumstances compelled to 
make an assignment, went home on the day of the final crash and, 
taking to his arms the lady who shared his name and pocket- 
book, said to her, " All is lost, except honor. I have given up 
everything and must begin the world anew." The dispenser 
of his spare cash looked up into his face with a sort of we- 
aint-in-it look, and said, " Nay, my dear, you still have me left." 
" Oh, yes," gasped the heart-broken bankrupt, " there's no 
danger of any of the liabilities getting away." 

We might have taken to different pursuits and left you 
and other students to get along without us ; but then shudder 
at the prospect of what you would have been and what the 
College would not have been, and be thankful that we gave up 
all thoughts of wealth, and ease and renown, for you and for 
those who follow you. 

Let me show you what some of us might have been. 
Prof. Keller, called from the plough, like Cincinnatus, would, 
like that hero, be happier on his farm, raising prize pumpkins 
and potato salad and resting under the umbrageous shade of 
his sweet-potato trees, watching his herds and flocks. 

Prof. Cassel might have been Attorney-General or Chief 
Justice of the United States, and handed down decisions as to 
the law of " Credit the Drawer," " Supra-Protest," and an 
" Allonge with a waiver." 



512 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Prof. Solly would be happier and wealthier in his native 
mountains, cultivating the rare and expensive sun-flower 
crossing the carnation with the tiger lily and grafting potato 
bugs on the fish geranium. Yet he prefers, as Mrs. Mala- 
prop puts it, "to give to students a supercilious knowledge of 
accounts and to teach them geometry, that they may know 
something of the contagious countries." 

Prof. Dickinson's persuasive tongue would enrich any 
life insurance company, or fill up the army in time of war. 
Yet he prefers to deplete the surrounding counties of young 
men and women for the College, and to carry the name and 
the fame of Peirce College even to the uttermost parts of 
Bucks county. 

Prof. Root 'could have gone on the operatic stage and 
given the general public an opportunity to hear a tenor voice 
now only heard by students and Faculty when he renders that 
sad but beautiful refrain : — 

" One, two, three ; 
Here you see 
How to make the capital B." 

When the cablegrams were flashing across the Atlantic 
urgent demands for Prof. Leibfreed to take the pulpit made 
vacant by the death of the Rev. Mr. Spurgeon, did he hesitate 
between duty and renown ? " No," said he, " here is my place, 
caring for the thieves who rob words of letters, and for the 
murderers of the English language," and here he remains. 

Mr. Rorer, our Business Manager, the member from 
Frankford-on-the-Creek, whose chief duty it is to remind 
the teachers of the arrival of pay-day, which otherwise they 
would forget, could have had more time for planting American 
flags if he had not taken up college Avork. How happy he 
could be with no cares but foreign immigration, the twins and 
the Patriotic Order of Sons of America. 

My dear friends, bear with me yet a little. The spirit of 
prophecy is strong upon me and I see things you cannot now, 
but may sometime, see. I see the . College, under the wise 



PF1RCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 513 

guidance of its founder (supplemented by suggestions from 
myself), widening out and growing to proportions never 
dreamed of even by its friends. 

I see it advertised in all languages throughout the world. 
" Peirce College of Business and Shorthand. Can we be of 
use to you ? Reliable business men furnished with partners. 
A full supply of graduates always on hand. No trouble to 
show goods." 

I do not see any of the present Faculty, except myself, 
engaged in the great work. They will have been pensioned 
off by a grateful Alumni Association, and in their old age will 
be reaping the reward of their zeal and energy, under their 
own vine and fig tree, safe from the ravages of trial balances, 
cash balances, no balances, and the various ills that professors 
are heir to. 

My dear friends, I thank you for the very kind attention 
you have given to my wanderings. I trust that in the final 
examination before the Great Teacher, both Faculty and Alumni 
may be able to present such good reports from this earthly 
preparatory department as will fit them for entrance into that 
highest department that is the reward of all good and faithful 
servants. Good-night. 

Isaac P. Cadwallader, Class of '89, responded for " Our 
Alumni ; " John M. Justice, Class of '87, for " The Press," and 
James H. Fitzgerald, Class of '91, for " The Ladies." 

The same paper of January 13, 1893, contained the fol- 
lowing editorial : — 

That was a very interesting speech which Dr. Thomas 
May Peirce made before his Alumni, at the Colonnade, on 
Wednesday evening. His notion of hereafter calling his 
" College " a " School " has that " horse sense " in it which is 
at the foundation of a business education. His history of the 
advancement of the means of practical commercial education 
from its first smatterings to its present breadth and thorough- 
nejss should make interesting reading for those who, with less 



514 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

experience and more assurance, have thought it possible in 
fitting our youth for a business career to teach them to fly first 
and to walk afterwards. 

The way is now open for both boys and girls to prepare 
themselves for a business occupation as it was never opened 
before. Dr. Peirce very naturally manifested an especial sense 
of pride in having been among the first to pull down the 
barriers that had kept women out of the business schools. 
The innovation has been amply justified and rewarded. The 
opening of gainful occupations to the lovelier and in many 
instances more adaptable and serviceable sex has been of mani- 
fest benefit to the community. When it is remembered that 
there are 20,000 more women than men in Philadelphia, and a 
like ratio in other large cities, the significance of this new 
feminine invasion may be better understood. 



From the Philadelphia Ledger, January 12, 1893, the following account is taken: — 

IPoireQ ©ollogo y\lurqr}i 

Enjoy Th^otr First /Visual Baqquot at 

thjo ©oloqqado Hotol. 



Two hundred members of the Alumni Association of 
Peirce School of Business and Shorthand enjoyed the first 
annual banquet of the association last evening, at the Colon- 
nade Hotel. The association was only organized in June last, 
and has nearly three hundred members already, two-thirds of 
whom attended last evening's reunion. 

The occasion was graced by the presence of about eighty 
young ladies. Prof. J. E. M. Keller, President of the associa- 
tion and Vice-Principal of the Peirce School, presided, and 
seated at the tables near him were Prof, and Mrs. Thomas 
May Peirce and the guests of the evening, the members of the 
Faculty, as follows : — 

Prof. W. J. Solly, Dean Rev. John Thompson, Prof 
E. Leibfreed, A. M. ; Prof. John R. Cassell, LL. B. ; Prof. 
John K. Andre, Prof. George E. Martin, Ph. B.; Prof. W. A. 
Deily, A. B. ; Prof. H. T. Williams, Prof. J. E. Rockwell, 
Prof. F. R. Heath, Prof. J. W. Schermerhorn, Prof. Oliver 
Holben, Prof. A. M. Thompson, Evan B. Lewis, Esq., Mr. T. 
P. McMenamin, W. N. Wilmerton, Secretary Y. M. C. A., 
Chester, and Prof. Thomas H. McCool, Principal Spencerian 
Business College. 

After disposing of the menu Prof. Keller briefly reviewed 
the history of the Alumni Association since its organization. 
He thought that much of the success of the association was 



5 l6 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

due to the untiring efforts of its Corresponding Secretary, 
Mr. W. W. Rorer. 

Prof. Keller introduced Mr. Thomas J. Fernley, Vice- 
President of the association, as the toast-master of the evening. 
Mr. Fernley spoke of the successes which have been accom- 
plished by young men in various walks of life, and referred to 
scores of graduates of the Peirce College who have achieved 
success early in life. 

Prof. Peirce responded to the first toast, " Business Edu- 
cation." 

He referred to the unusual experience of appearing as a 
guest at a gathering of Peirce School graduates. He had been 
requested to speak upon business education, he said, and, in 
introducing the subject, expressed his regret that the word 
" college " had ever been associated with commercial educa- 
tion. He had adopted it from custom, and continued it out 
of a spirit of conservatism. He hoped soon to see the day, 
he said, when he would follow the lines of progress and drop 
the word " college," and call his institution the Peirce School 
of Business and Shorthand. 

The beginning of these schools, Prof. Peirce thought^ 
could be found a half century or more ago, when certain lead- 
ing accountants opened small schools for the instruction of 
employes of mercantile houses who had been obliged to leave 
school too young. The beginning was small, the instruction 
meagre, but from this has grown the present splendid system 
of business instruction. 

The day has passed, he said, for any defense or explana- 
tion of the necessity for business education. But if any were 
needed, Prof. Peirce thought that the establishment of the 
Wharton School of Finance, at the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, and the founding of the Drexel Institute were a recog- 
nition of the necessity for special training for young men and 
women to fit them for business life. 

Prof. Peirce said that one of his proudest achievements was 
that his school was among the first to open its doors to women. 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 5 I? 

The other toasts responded to were "The Faculty," Prof. 
E. B. Gumpert; " Our Alumni," Isaac P. Cadwallader ; "The 
Press," John M. Justice, and " The Ladies," James H. Fitz- 
gerald. 

The officers of the Alumni Association are : President, 
Prof. J. Edwin M. Keller; Vice-Presidents, Miss Jennie W. 
Rogers, Miss Sadie F. O'Neill, Harry S. Sheppard, Thos. J. 
Fernley; Recording Secretary, Prof. Wm. C. Coolbaugh ; 
Corresponding Secretary, Mr. W. W. Rorer ; Treasurer, Wm. 
Holmes, Jr.; Board of Managers, Mr. Isaac P. Cadwallader, 
Thomas W. Barlow, Esq., Mr. John M. Justice, Mr. John S. 
McConnell, Prof. W. M. Frantz, Prof. O. D. Frederick, Mr. J. 
Allen Harley, Mr. James H. Fitzgerald, Mr. William J. Jones 
Mr. John W. Sparks, Miss Reba S. Young, Miss S. A. Koch| 
Miss Mary A. Longshore, Miss Clara M. Leidy, Miss Susie 
M. Grauch, Miss A. V. McLaughlin, Mrs. Lizzie Chew- 
Schoener, Miss K. A. Denney, Miss Ruth Peirce, Miss Anna 
V. Shaw. 



©or^elusiorj 



Gentle Reader : — You who appreciate the efforts of 
those gifted orators whose " thoughts that breathe and words 
that burn " are herein reproduced — may you earnestly appro- 
priate and successfully apply that which you approve ! 

" Heart within and God o'erhead," take for your motto 
Nil desperandum. As Mrs. Bolton says, in her heroic poem, 
" Paddle Your Own Canoe :" — 

Never, though the winds may rave, 

Falter nor look back. 
But upon the darkest wave 

Leave a shining track. 

And as Cowper says : — 

If hindrances obstruct thy way 
Thy magnanimity display, 

And let thy strength be seen ; 
But, oh, if fortune fills thy sail 
With more than a propitious gale, 

Take half thy canvas in. 

Remember that the successful one is he who can bear the 
mental strain, net only of ceaseless effort, but of adverse cir- 
cumstances as well. 

Enlisted for the campaign of life, let not the loss of one 
battle discourage, but, profiting by every experience, go on 
conquering and to conquer. 

" No cross, no crown," but you that endure to the end 
shall, after " life's fitful fever," and the " sleep " with which it 
is " rounded," wake to joy in Paradise ! 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 5 1 9 

Then like the prophet Habakkuk, in the Divine Tragedy 
(Longfellow), you will in loving wonder realize your reward : — 

PROPHET. 

Oh tell me, for thou knovvest, 

Wherefore, and by what grace, 
Have I, who am least and lowest, 

Been chosen to this place, 
To this exalted part ? 

angel. 

Because thou art 

The struggler ; and from thy youth 
Thy humble and patient life 
Hath been a strife 

And battle for the truth ; 

Nor hast thou paused nor halted 
Nor ever in thy pride 
Turned from the poor aside, 
But with deed and word and pen 
Hast served thy fellow-men ; 

Therefore art thou exalted ! 



Pablo of ©oqter}ts. 



Page. 

Addresses, Annual : — 

1882, Hon. George B. Loring, M. D. 18 

1883, General John Eaton, Ph. D., LL. D 64 

1884, Rev. E. E. Higbee, D. D., LL. D 11 1 

1885, Professor Charles J. Little, A.M., Ph. D., LL. D 148 

1886, Chancellor John Hall, D. D., LL. D 188 

1887, Rev. Sam. VV. Small, D. D 248 

1888, Rev. Russell H. Conwell 292 

1889, President George Edward Reed, D. D., LL. D 340 

1890, President Francis L. Patton, D. D., LL. D 385 

1891, Andrew Carnegie 423 

1892, Hon. Chauncey M. Depew, LL. D 469 

Addresses to the Graduates: — 

1882, Rev. J. M. Buckley, D. D., LL. D 34 

1883, General Clinton B. Fisk 83 

1884, Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, D. D 118 

1885, John B. Gough, A. M 162 

1886, Rev. J. O. Peck, D. D 207 

1887, Rev. Sam. P. Jones 261 

1888, Robert J. Burdette 310 

1889, Rev. Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, D. D., LL. D 360 

1890, Colonel George VV. Bain • 397 

1891, Robert J. Burdette 446 

1892, Rev. Merritt Hulburd, D. D 489 

Alumni Reunion 498 

Bain, Colonel George W., Biographical Sketch 396 

Address, 1890 397 

Beaver, Governor James A., Biographical Sketch 237 

Remarks, 1887 238 

Remarks, 1887 246 

Remarks, 1887 259 

Biggs, Governor B. T., Biographical Sketch 242 

Remarks, 1887 . 243 

Boardman, Rev. George Dana, D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch . . . 141 

Prayer, 1885 143 

Buckley, Rev. J. M., D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch t>3 

Address, 1882 34 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 521 

Page. 

Burdette, Robert J , Biographical Sketch . 309 

Address, 1888 310 

Address, 1891 446 

Carnegie, Andrew, Biographical Sketch ... 421 

Address, 1891 423 

Cattell, Rev. W. C , D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch 179 

Prayer, 1886 180 

Chapman, Rev. J., A. M., D. D., Biographical Sketch 234 

Prayer, 1887 235 

Cochran, Thomas, Biographical Sketch .... 182 

Remarks, 1886 ■ 183 

Remarks, 1886 186 

Colors, Presentation of, 1891 ... 441 

Conclusion 518 

Conwell, Rev. Russell H., Biographical Sketch . 291 

Address, 1888 292 

Dedication 3 

Depew, Hon. Chauncey M., LL. D., Biographical Sketch 467 

Address, 1892 469 

Dobson, James, Biographical Sketch 381 

Remarks, 1890 382 

Remarks, 1890 395 

Dolan, Thomas, Biographical Sketch . 419 

Remarks, 1891 ... 420 

Remarks, 1891 445 

Eaton, General John, Ph. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch 62 

Address, 1883 64 

Fisk, General Clinton B., Biographical Sketch 83 

Address, 1883 84 

Foss, Rev. Bishop Cyrus D., D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch .... 359 

Address, 1889 360 

Fraley, Hon. Frederick, LL. D., Biographical Sketch 13 

Address, 1882 14 

Gough, John B., A. M., Biographical Sketch 161 

Address, 1886 162 

Graduates : — 

Class of 1882 9 

Class of 1883 55 

Class of 1884 99 

Class of 1885 137 

Class of 1886 177 

Class of 1887 231 

Class of 1888 279 

Class of 1889 . * 329 

Class of 1890 375 

Class of 1891 413 

Class of 1892 457 



522 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Page. 

Hall, Rev. John, D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch 187 

Address, 1886 188 

Higbee, Rev. E. E., D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch no 

Address, 1884 in 

Hulburd, Rev. Merritt, A. M., S. T. D., Biographical Sketch 488 

Address, 1892 489 

Jones, Rev. Sam. P., Biographical Sketch 260 

Address, 1887 261 

Levy, Rev. Edgar M., D. D., Biographical Sketch 10 

Prayer, 1882 11 

Little, Professor Charles J., A. M., Ph. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch . 146 

Address, 1885 148 

Loring, Hon. George B., M. D., Biographical Sketch 17 

Address, 1882 18 

McVickar, Rev. William N., D. D., Biographical Sketch ........ 462 

Prayer, 1892 463 

Muhlenberg, Rev. F. A., D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch i>2>2> 

Prayer, 1889 334 

Pattison, Governor Robert E., LL. D., Biographical Sketch 285 

Remarks, 1888 286 

Remarks, t888 290 

Remarks, 1888 308 

Patton, Rev. Francis L., D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch 384 

Address, 1890 385 

Peck, Rev. J. O., D. D., Biographical Sketch ■.,,.. 205 

Address, 1886 207 

Peirce Alumni Reunion, 1892 . . . ; 498 

Peirce College Alumni, 1892 515 

Peirce, Thomas May, A. M. Ph. D., Principal, Biographical Sketch ... 31 

Response, 1891 443 

Address, Alumni, 1891 439 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1882 32 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1883 82 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1884 115 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1885 158 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1886 ' . . . . 204 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1887 258 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1888 307 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1889 358 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1890 394 

Presentation of Diplomas, 1891 439 

Prayer : — 

1882, Rev. Edgar M. Levy, D. D f n 

1883, Rev. Bishop Matthew Simpson, D. D., LL. D 58 

1884, Rev. William C. Webb, D. D , 104 

1885, Rev. G. D. Boardman, D. D., LL. D 143 



PEIRCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. 523 

Prayer : — Page. 

1886, Rev. W. C. Cattell, D. D., LL. D 180 

1887, Rev. J. A. M. Chapman, D. D 235 

1888, Rev. William Swindells, D. D 283 

1889, Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D. D., LL. D 334 

1890, Rev. A. Rittenhouse, D. D 379 

1891, Rt. Rev. O. W. Whitaker, D. D., Bishop 417 

1892, Rev. William N. McVickar, D. D 463 

Preface 5 

Presiding Officer : — 

1882, Hon. Frederick Fraley, LL. D 14 

1883, Hon. John Welsh, LL. D 60 

1884, Hon. John Wanamaker 101 

1885, George H. Stuart 140 

1886, Thomas Cochran 183 

1887, General J. A. Beaver, Governor 238 

1888, Governor R. E. Pattison, LL. D 286 

1889, William M. Singerly , t>37 

1890, James Dobson 382 

1891, Thomas Dolan 420 

1892, Hon. Edwin S. Stuart, Mayor 465 

Programme: — 

1882 8 

1883 54 

1884 98 

1885 . 136 

1886 176 

1887 230 

1888 278 

1889 : .328 

1890 374 

1891 412 

1892 - 456 

Reed, Rev. George E., D. D., LL. D.. Biographical Sketch 7,7,8 

Address, 1889 340 

Reunion, Alumni 498 

Rittenhouse, Rev. A., D. D., Biographical Sketch 378 

Prayer, 1890 379 

Simpson, Rev. Bishop Matthew, D. D., LL. D., Biographical Sketch . . 57 

Prayer, 1883 58 

Singerly, William M., Biographical Sketch 336 

Remarks, 1889 337 

Small, Rev. Sam. W., A. M., D. D., Biographical Sketch 247 

Address, 1887 248 

Stick, Dig and Save 46S 

Stuart, Hon. Edwin S., Mayor, Biographical Sketch 464 

Remarks, 1892 465 



524 ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES. 

Page. 

Stuart, George H , Biographical Sketch 139 

Remarks, 1885 140 

Remarks, 1885 145 

Remarks, 1885 159 

Swindells, Rev. William, D. D., Biographical Sketch 282 

Prayer, 1888 283 

Talmage, Rev. T. De Witt, D. D., Biographical Sketch 117 

Address, 1884 . 118 

Thompson, Rev. John, Dean, Biographical Sketch 51 

Wanamaker, Hon. John, Biographical Sketch 101 

Remarks, 1884 . 102 

Remarks, 1884 105 

Remarks, 1884 . 109 

Remarks, 1884 116 

Webb, Rev. William C., D. D., Biographical Sketch 103 

Prayer, i884 . . 104 

Welsh, Hon. John, LL. D., Biographical Sketch 59 

Remarks, 1883 60 

Whitaker, Rt. Rev. O. W., D. D., Biographical Sketch 416 

Prayer, 1891 1 417 



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